Sustainable Restaurant Design: AHORA Restaurant by OHIO Estudio

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, AHORA Restaurant is a unique dining space that combines a comfort food gastronomic proposal with an innovative approach to sustainable architecture. The restaurant emerged in the wake of the global pandemic, a time when the concept of the present moment was redefined. The architects, OHIO Estudio, saw an opportunity to transform conventional materials and create a space that is both functional and environmentally conscious. The restaurant’s design focuses on sustainability, sensory stimulation, hybrid living, and integrating outdoor spaces to enhance the overall customer experience.

Sustainability in Design: The Role of Recycled Materials

One of the core principles guiding the design of AHORA Restaurant is sustainability. OHIO Estudio worked closely with Proyecto Mutan, a project that recycles plastic bottle caps, to create custom mobile benches for the restaurant. Instead of creating new molds for these pieces, the designers repurposed existing molds, intervening in them to redesign their interior structure and backrest. This approach adds value to pre-existing materials and minimizes the environmental impact of new production.

Additionally, the designers explored the use of other sustainable materials, including phenolic panels for the bar and shelving. These panels not only have a lower carbon footprint than traditional construction materials but can also be recycled once their useful life ends. The use of natural dyes to color the panels is another sustainable choice, akin to the techniques used by local artisans to color their crafts. By choosing suppliers who prioritize sustainability, OHIO Estudio ensured that the entire restaurant design process was as eco-friendly as possible.

Sensory Stimulation and the Use of Light

Sensory experience plays a pivotal role in the design of AHORA Restaurant. One of the key design decisions was to keep the kitchen closed off from view. To achieve this, OHIO Estudio designed a structure that houses the kitchen and necessary services while maintaining a connection with the surrounding environment through natural light. Instead of using conventional glass, the architects opted for polycarbonate, which was arranged at various angles to create a textured surface. This unique material choice allows light to reflect and refract, adding an intriguing layer of color and depth to the space.

In particular, the reflections that occur within the restaurant are dynamic, transforming as the natural light interacts with the different textures throughout the space. For example, natural light falling on a recycled plastic table generates reflections in various colors, creating a colorful and ever-changing atmosphere. This playful interaction of light and materials adds a sense of vibrancy to the space, engaging the senses of the restaurant's visitors.

Hybrid Life and the Integration of Virtuality

As the world adapts to the increased influence of digital and virtual technologies, the concept of "hybrid life" has become central to architectural design. OHIO Estudio recognized that a restaurant in the digital age should serve not only as a physical space but also as a dynamic platform for interaction in daily virtual life. The design of AHORA Restaurant reflects this understanding, creating a physical environment that offers a sense of community, comfort, and interaction—essentially blending the boundaries between the physical and virtual.

With the increasing role of digital tools in everyday life, it is important for restaurant environments to be more than just a backdrop for dining. Customers today expect carefully designed spaces that enhance both their physical and virtual experiences. The flexible nature of AHORA Restaurant’s design caters to this need, offering a versatile setting that adapts to the evolving demands of a digitally connected world.

Outdoor Contact and Integral Well-Being

In line with the restaurant’s focus on sustainability and comfort, OHIO Estudio has emphasized the importance of outdoor contact and integral well-being. AHORA Restaurant offers spaces that allow guests to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of indoor dining. The integration of outdoor spaces enhances the dining experience, creating a harmonious balance between nature and design. The architects aimed to create a space where families and individuals could enjoy both the natural environment and the comfort of well-designed spaces.

The goal of integrating outdoor contact with dining not only supports the restaurant’s sustainable ethos but also enhances the overall well-being of guests. The design encourages a sense of comfort and community, offering an environment that is welcoming and restorative.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Sustainability, Functionality, and Design

AHORA Restaurant by OHIO Estudio is an exemplary model of sustainable restaurant design. By repurposing materials, experimenting with textures, and incorporating light in innovative ways, the architects have created a dining space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The focus on sustainability, hybrid living, and sensory stimulation ensures that AHORA offers more than just a place to eat—it provides a dynamic, engaging experience that responds to the needs of the modern world.

Through the thoughtful integration of natural materials, sustainable practices, and an emphasis on well-being, AHORA Restaurant stands as a testament to how architecture can create spaces that are both environmentally responsible and meaningful for those who use them.