Roca

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Project type Restaurant
Location Madrid, Spain
Architects Enrique Barrera – In Design We Trust
Roca Products
W+W, Beyond basin, Loft electronic faucet, Access wall-hung WC, Duplo WC ONE, EP3 electronic operating plate, Access Comfort folding grab bar with toilet roll holder, Access wall-hung basin, Victoria Pro basin mixer, Access Pro tilting mirror, Access wall-hung WC, Meridian wall-hung Rimless WC, Diverta wall-hung basin, Victoria mirror, In-drain basic, Victoria wall-mounted shower mixer
 

Omeraki Restaurant embodies sustainability through its visionary interiors designed by Enrique Barrera. Collaborating with Roca, Barrera immerses the user in a narrative of environmental consciousness with cutting-edge energy-saving technologies.

Sustainability as user experience

Spanish chef Alberto Chicote and designer Enrique Barrera from In Design We Trust have woven sustainability into the very fabric of Omeraki Restaurant, leading the way in creating an environmentally conscious and creative culinary experience.

Barrera believes that sustainable values should be inherent in a restaurant, hotel or any public space, without the need for overt communication. He believes that users should experience sustainable values emotionally, through the touch of organic fibres, the burnished lustre of Shou Sugi Ban (Japanese charred wood), the scent of old, upcycled ceiling beams, or the subtle intrigue of modern energy-saving technology.

The collaboration between Omeraki and Roca further solidifies this commitment, as evidenced in the thoughtful integration of Roca's sustainable bathroom products into the restaurant's design. In partnership with Roca, Omeraki demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable design. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a larger envirionmental ethos.

  • Can you tell us a little more about the restaurant’s sustainable design features?
    Enrique Barrera: We wanted the restaurant to ‘breathe’ sustainability, without overtly stating it. The show kitchen features a photovoltaic panel directly above it, which not only provides solar energy but also filters harsh rays from the skylight and blocks views of washing hanging from balconies above. This panel subtly communicates that sustainability is integral to the restaurant’s identity.

  • Can you give us some other examples of ‘invisible sustainability’?
    The tables were made using beams salvaged from a 19th-century convent in Zamora; the cutlery holders are made from lava sourced from a recent volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands; paulownia, a fast-growing wood that promotes reforestation, was used for the library, the bar, and other areas; and the remaining sheets were repurposed to create hundreds of cubes arranged in a spiral formation over the main space.

  • What about the bathroom, how did Roca help you achieve your vision for this space?
    The bathroom design at Omeraki Restaurant is an integral part of our overall vision and Roca's contribution was instrumental in realizing this vision for the bathroom, enhancing both its visual appeal and practicality and adding to the overall dining experience.

Accessible directly from the dining room through a chain mail curtain, the bathroom serves as a stylish and practical space for patrons. Using Roca's innovative products, such as the totem Fineceramic® washbasins from the Beyond collection, we achieved a perfect balance of elegance and functionality. With slight adaptations to accommodate our specific design requirements, such as mounting the basin on the wall, Roca demonstrated flexibility and attention to detail, resulting in an exceptional final result.

Roca's iconic W+W toilets are featured in separate men's and women's washrooms, complementing the overall design aesthetic while also providing sustainable and efficient solutions. An automatic sliding door adds a touch of modernity and convenience, dividing the space and ensuring privacy for patrons.

  • Why did you choose the Roca’s W+W toilet?
    The choice of Roca's W+W toilet stems from a blend of personal inspiration and admiration for its innovative design and sustainability features. After being inspired by a simple yet efficient toilet design during a trip to Japan, I implemented a similar concept using an old Roca Victoria toilet upon returning home. By modifying the cistern with a copper tube to create an external faucet, flushing became effortless and eco-friendly.

    Upon discovering the W+W toilet, it was an instant attraction. Not only does it embody the same concept that initially inspired me, but it also goes a step further by purifying and returning water to the system. This innovative approach to water conservation resonated deeply with my sustainability values.

Another thing I love about it, is the W+W toilet’s captivating design. At first it may puzzle observers, but upon closer inspection, its water-saving features become apparent. Its aesthetic allure, resembling a sculptural piece, speaks to the seamless integration of sustainability into artful design—a testament to Roca's commitment to blending form and function in a sustainable manner.

  • How important is user experience in a restaurant bathroom?
    User experience in a restaurant bathroom is absolutely essential. As demonstrated by a customer survey conducted by Ferran Adrià, interior design, encompassing restroom facilities, often holds greater significance to patrons than even the food itself. In today's age of social media and the prevalence of photo-sharing, restrooms have become one of the most photographed spaces within a restaurant. Therefore, it's imperative that restroom facilities are not only clean and functional but also visually appealing. Ensuring a positive user experience in the restroom contributes significantly to the overall ambiance and perception of the restaurant, ultimately enhancing the satisfaction of diners.

    Omeraki Restaurant exemplifies sustainability, with a commitment to environmental responsibility evident in every aspect of the establishment, from its culinary offerings to its interior design philosophy. Together, Enrique Barrera, Alberto Chicote and Roca have redefined the concept of sustainable luxury.