Alica Bakery by Studio Etienne Bastormagi: A Showcase of Sustainable Bakery Interior Design in Dubai

In the heart of Dubai’s Port de la Mer development, Alica Bakery emerges as a warm and elegant flagship destination that redefines the modern bakery experience through sustainable interior design. Designed by Beirut-based Studio Etienne Bastormagi, the project harmonizes local culture, natural materials, and artisanal craftsmanship in an immersive space that reflects the essence of slow living and mindful consumption.

A Concept Rooted in Contextual Design and Collaboration

The architectural vision for Alica Bakery began with a simple yet profound brief: to create an open and inviting bakery that radiates warmth, light, and connection. Studio Etienne Bastormagi responded by initiating collaborations with regional artists and craftspeople, building a shared dialogue around place-making, materiality, and cultural authenticity. These partnerships shaped every aspect of the space—from the choice of textures and furnishings to the emotional tone of the interior.

By grounding the design in local culture, the team brought together elements that speak of the land and its resources. The resulting environment is not just a place to eat, but a spatial narrative of harmony between people, nature, and process.

Natural Materials and Earthy Aesthetics

At the core of Alica Bakery’s aesthetic is a commitment to natural materials and tones. The interior is defined by tactile surfaces in wood, leather, and recycled paper, with finishes that echo the earthy hues of the bakery’s farm-to-table menu. The use of paper-based art and handcrafted furniture brings a softness and intimacy to the space, creating a sensory connection between guests and their surroundings.

The strategic use of natural light is another key component of the design. Large windows and carefully positioned furniture pieces allow sunlight to animate the space throughout the day, creating shifting geometries and warm highlights that enhance the wireframe chairs and dining elements. This daily play of light emphasizes the honest beauty of material textures and craftsman-made details.

Celebrating Craft and Sustainable Design

From the bread baked on-site to the art and furnishings within the space, Alica Bakery is a celebration of craftsmanship. The architectural narrative aligns with the brand’s ethos of slow living, where every object is selected or designed with purpose. One standout feature is the “Super Simple Lamp,” a custom lighting system produced by Post Industrial Crafts in collaboration with the architect. Made from 100% recycled plastic and 3D printed using robotic arms, the lighting fixtures exemplify the bakery’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

Another artistic focal point is “Roots,” a series of drawings by Ahmed Amer that pay tribute to the harmony between human labor and the land. Created on recycled paper, the artwork reflects the themes of organic growth, harvesting, and dedication—mirroring the ethos of Alica Bakery’s culinary and design philosophy.

A Mindful Culinary Space in the Heart of Dubai

Studio Etienne Bastormagi has crafted more than a bakery—it is a thoughtful spatial experience that invites guests to pause, savor, and connect. Every design decision reinforces a philosophy of intentional living, from the flow of light and texture to the stories embedded in handmade fixtures and sustainable materials.

All photographs are works of  Alessandro Fagioli