A restaurant in Mexico City’s Cuauhtémoc neighborhood features a garden shed-inspired design, clad in corrugated polycarbonate panels. The space occupies two gabled volumes on a compact infill site, set between taller surrounding buildings. The main structure uses translucent polycarbonate siding, creating a bright, airy atmosphere for the 70-seat dining area and bar.
The design aims to evoke the simplicity and calm of a garden shed while providing a functional and inviting setting for guests. “We wanted to create an urban greenhouse – a peaceful space filled with light and vegetation nestled in the concrete jungle of Mexico City,” said OPA co-founders Rosalía Yuste and Diego Mañón.
Designer:
A smaller structure finished in ochre-colored galvanized steel houses the private kitchen and service areas. Guests enter through sliding polycarbonate doors, which lead to concrete steps and a decorative perforated red brick wall. Inside, the open-plan dining and bar area feature detailed brickwork across the concrete block walls.
Local craftsmanship is evident in the way bricks are arranged in both herringbone and lattice patterns, creating visual variety and adding character to different sections of the restaurant. These design choices combine functionality with thoughtful material use, contributing to a distinctive and inviting dining environment.
Natural light enters through the translucent gabled roof, with only slender timber rafters breaking up the brightness and supporting the structure. The dining area is furnished with minimalist tables and chairs, crafted from wood and steel to complement the architectural materials of the restaurant. Subtle planters and hanging baskets are placed throughout the open space, reinforcing the greenhouse-inspired atmosphere.
These design elements combine to create a bright, airy environment that connects diners with nature while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. The overall effect is a welcoming setting that feels both open and thoughtfully composed. “We wanted to maximise natural light and visual transparency between the street and the interior terrace, encouraging the curiosity of the passersby,” said Yuste and Mañón. “The result is a room inundated with light, creating a harmonious and unique atmosphere.”
In addition to serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu, the restaurant also hosts community events such as stand-up comedy nights. This combination of cuisine and entertainment creates a versatile space for both dining and social gatherings. “Our aim was to accentuate the structure, highlighting the contrast between the industrial feel of the steel and polycarbonate sheet with the natural texture of the brick and vegetation,” said Yuste and Mañón.
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