Grue: A Unique and Sustainable Restaurant Design

Transforming Abandoned Spaces into Rustic Eateries

The industrial atmosphere of Grue was inspired by the trend of repurposing old buildings, factories, and warehouses. This movement, which gained popularity a few decades ago, embraces rustic, raw, and unfinished surfaces, wide spaces, and exposed structural elements. The designers aimed to create a practical and flexible space that would cater to the needs of their target clientele.

What sets Grue apart is its commitment to reusing existing raw materials. The restaurant was developed in an abandoned store that had been neglected for over 25 years. To honor the history of the space, all the carpentry, panels, benches, counters, and even tables were crafted from the remains of a demolished residential building dating back to 1947. The furniture, objects, lamps, and artwork were sourced from antiquaries or were part of the clients' personal collection, giving the restaurant a unique and cozy ambiance.

The realization of Grue involved retrofitting old structures to serve new needs. Doors, doorframes, demolition bricks, and steel rods were transformed into panels, benches, tables, and shelves. Galvanized iron conduits were repurposed into banisters and lamps, showcasing the designers' precision and attention to detail. To enhance the acoustic treatment, ecological plates made from recycled PET bottles were used on the ceiling.

The two-story restaurant spans a total area of 120m2. The ground floor features a bar with direct access from the outside, allowing customers to enjoy the beautiful skyline and sunset views of downtown Belo Horizonte. The windows fully open into the street, creating a seamless interaction between the interior and the bustling neighborhood. The upper floor houses the operational area, with the kitchen glazed to visually enlarge the space for the tables. A freight elevator was installed in the kitchen, providing convenient service access to the bar on the ground floor.

Grue's sustainable design approach not only contributes to a better world but also offers lighting, thermal, and acoustic comfort. By utilizing second-hand materials, the project reduces the environmental impact associated with creating new products. The designers' extensive research on sustainable materials and solutions ensured that every aspect of the design aligned with their eco-conscious vision.

The Grue restaurant design by Luiza Landim and Fernanda Lopes was awarded the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2017. This recognition is a testament to the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a more sustainable future.