Simple Loaf BAKEHOUSE

Simple Loaf Bakehouse is located at the ground level of a building from 1921 in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Jazz music played when Shari, the founder, opened the door of her bakery. An authentic brick wall dominated the feeling of space, undoubtedly revealing the building’s age, which we kept as an artifact. 

Today, the street is a lively neighborhood with plenty of local shops and restaurants, displaying multi-layered decorative interiors. Simple Loaf Bakehouse stands as a token of adaptive reuse while articulating today’s needs. 

The design is anchored in the idea essentialism, minimal intervention and carbon-footprint awareness rather than adding, cladding, or building. 

The proposed design formed gradually as we engaged in a dialogue with the client. The predicament was to understand the workflow of service personnel and customers relative to designing a floor plan layout accounting for accessibility regulations. 

Existing conditions were complemented with subtle materiality and decisive geometry. Soft in appearance, defined by intricate pattern of 4"x4" squares, the bar was designed to juxtapose a vernacular brick wall. This intense relationship of two patterns, “old” and “new” created a textured and balanced composition which resonated with the complexity of its inherited past.

 

Shelves, frameless doors, frosted and clear frameless glass are elements of the interior design composition placed intentionally to articulate the delicate undertone.

Simple Loaf Bakehouse continues to be a focal point of gathering and exchange in the neighborhood, hosting events, supporting inclusion and multi-cultural values, thanks to its dedicated chef, good food and drinks, thoughtful design and people that keep it alive.

CREDITS

Simple Loaf Bakehouse @simpleloafbakehouse

Tile: Fireclay Tile @fireclaytile

Lighting: Deltalight @wearedeltalight

Photography: Maria Hunter Photography @mariahunterphotography