Designed by Formafatal studio, Gran Fierro is an Argentinian restaurant located in the center of Prague. Begun in 2019 and completed in 2020, the remodeled design features raw construction materials that accommodate pieces of bio charcoal made out of wood waste from the restaurant kitchen showcased inside a decorative wall.
Inside, concrete blocks make up a wall in the entrance part of the building with pieces of decorative bio charcoal showcased in a levitating design. According to the designers, the bio charcoal represents the sustainable mindset and philosophy of Gran Fierro. Fire also has a place inside the heart of the kitchen and inside the dining area to create a connection to the charcoal installation.
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Formafatal was founded in the same year as the original Gran Fierro, making it one of the design studio’s first projects in 2015. Five years later, the remodel brings about a new address in a historic building located within a UNESCO monument zone and a new, sustainable design concept.
“Because we were going to display pieces of charcoal as decorative objects, we had to think deeply about charcoal and its origins,” said Juan Cruz Pacin, owner of Gran Fierro. “That’s when we discovered that many charcoal productions contribute to deforestation and we decided to spread awareness about it and start producing our own green BIO coal. Now we can say that the wall is our strongest visual statement.”
Exposed steel beams and iron bars serve as materials for benches and space dividers, as well as shelving for the restaurant’s wine shop. Welded wire mesh acts as trellises for the adjoining garden fencing and greenery. The entire space covers 390 square meters with a capacity of 163 seats, including the main area, open kitchen, outdoor garden, winter garden and VIP lounges.
Images via Boys Play Nice
Written by Katherine Gallagher
