SIMPLE Restaurant is located within the historical building of a factory
kitchen in Minsk, Belarus. It was built in 1936 in the constructivism style designed by the architect Gruber. The interior design of the present restaurant was designed by the architect- designer Natalia Raksha of ZROBYM Architects.
The concept of the interior was to capture and reflect the feel of the institution’s kitchen, which translates into an easy style reflected in the restaurant’s name – SIMPLE. The restaurant was to serve modern experimental Belarusian cuisine produced entirely from local products. The interior has been filled with furnishings from a previous location and supplemented with items produced by local craftsmen and brands wherever possible.
The main objective of the internal layout was to devide the area into zones which provided large bright spaces without the construction of additional partitions. In order to satisfy this criteria it was necessary to design various scenarios for accommodating guests occupying one small space while offering different options for comfort and low and high-level seating.
The interior design has been arranged to accentuate the wine cabinet and sommelier table which are strategically important areas within the restaurant. In order to achieve this, the designer has zoned the space with contrast of black and white. The design has generally achieved the client’s desires of revising most of the original furniture by remodeling, restoring and repainting tables and chairs, and by integrating sofas into the central zone.
The central focal point is a black glossy bar counter which is made of porcelain stoneware with a pattern of black marble. The concept of the design of this element was to make it appear weightless by dissolving into its surroundings. A similar style of lighting has been used throughout the restaurant, thereby combining different areas to give the feeling of spaciousness.
Design, info and images © ZROBYM Architects
