ErnteZeit: A Restaurant Design that Celebrates Nature and Healthy Nourishment

Creating an Exotic Garden Oasis Inside

The aim of the ErnteZeit project, led by interior designer Ivana Bukvic, was to fabricate an atmosphere reminiscent of a balcony or terrace, bringing the outdoors inside. The design not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also carries a symbolic element. Every detail enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere of the place, with plants playing a pivotal role. Even usually neglected spaces, such as the restrooms, are transformed into focal points of the interior design. To add a touch of luxury to the natural design, a patina-like wall, created by Bosnian academic painter and artist Damir Mumbasic, is featured.

One of the unique aspects of the ErnteZeit design is the custom-made furniture. Due to the specific dimensional requirements of the space, dining tables, benches, the bar, wooden copper-like bar shelves, cupboards, glass door frames, and openings/windows were all personally designed and crafted. The design combines extravagant gold, copper, and brass elements with earthy tones prevalent throughout the interior. Natural materials like oak, terracotta, and rattan further enhance the connection to nature.

The ErnteZeit restaurant spans 64.97 square meters, with the bar covering 49.36 square meters, the kitchen occupying 11.05 square meters, and the restroom measuring 4.56 square meters.

Selected plants, such as aloe vera and banana trees, serve as visual reminders of the fresh and organic produce used in the restaurant's dishes. The copper barrier, which acts as the back end of the bench, also serves as an optical factor to attract new customers from the outside. Strategically placed electrical sockets accommodate the needs of urban users, considering the nearby university.

The ErnteZeit design project began in October 2017 and was completed in December 2018 in Berlin. Construction work started in January 2018 and finished in mid-February 2018. Throughout the design process, data was collected from food bloggers and research on health food and industrial design trends to create a unique and timeless design that would attract a diverse crowd.

The ErnteZeit design overcame various challenges, including transforming the location into a functional restaurant while meeting construction requirements and obtaining necessary permits. The low budget required creative improvisation within the given possibilities.

Ivana Bukvic's studio successfully combined organic materials, earth tones, and metallic details to create an impression of nature and alfresco areas within the ErnteZeit restaurant. The multifunctional elements serve as both practical features and art installations. Plants are strategically used for staging and also symbolize the fresh produce used in the restaurant's menu.

ErnteZeit's design, created by Ivana Bukvic, has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.