With a focus on sensory design, The Nest is designed to operate for five years before being relocated.
2 min read
Photography: Billy Bolton
Helmed by international design studio Jolie, a new restaurant and bar concept called The Nest has officially opened its doors in Frankfurt – for a limited time only. Perched above a pre-existing underground car park, the concept presented a unique set of challenges due to weight and loading limitations – Jolie therefore opting for lightweight yet robust materials such as lime-wash paints, laminates and plasters, along with a modular construction. This not only ensures minimal impact on the infrastructure, but also means that the entire structure has been designed for future relocation – supporting a life cycle that minimises waste and maximises reuse in the hospitality sector.
Aiming to channel the eclectic eateries of Tulum and California, the design team envisioned The Nest as a transportive hideaway for Frankfurt locals, nestled in the heart of the city. A warm, neutral palette of terracotta Tadelakt plaster and timber detailing is brightened by a red gloss bar, which acts as a luxurious, inviting focal point at the centre of the space. The restaurant and bar are flooded by ample natural light from the generous tableside windows, while an ambient glow emanates from pendant lighting ready to transition the space from morning coffee to an evening of dinner and digestifs.
“We drew inspiration from some of the most vibrant and successful hospitality spaces worldwide,” explains Jolie’s Creative Director, Sarah Wakefield. “These included the uncomplicated, fresh approach of Elliots in London; the Gjelina Group in LA, who are renowned for their relaxed yet high-quality ambiance; and Sereneco in Brooklyn, a space that beautifully brings the outdoors inside. By blending these influences, we have created a multisensory retreat that resonates deeply with the cosmopolitan vibe of Frankfurt.”
As a sensory-led studio, Jolie makes sure to incorporate scent into many of their interior concepts, as well as texture, acoustics and aesthetics. The Nest is no different: in the main dining area and bar, fresh scents of sandalwood, bergamot and citrus are designed to reduce anxiety and encourage a convivial atmosphere, while the outdoor dining terrace boasts an uplifting aroma of fresh green fig and the bathrooms are fragranced with revitalising juniper and cedarwood. This scent-scape joins tactile features such as the smooth, pink marble of the bar and a curated ambient playlist (including artists such as Malibu Beach and LeChiffre Beats) for a truly transportive space that delights each one of the senses.
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