Zooco Estudio’s innovative design for El Horno de Babette
Zooco Estudio redefines the bakery experience through its innovative design for El Horno de Babette. Challenging the traditional bakery format, the studio moves away from the rigid separation of public and private spaces, traditionally demarcated by display counters.
Instead, it introduces a more fluid and engaging layout inspired by domestic spaces, where customers are invited to explore, interact, and connect with the environment. This approach transforms the act of visiting a bakery into a sensory journey, centered around a warm, inviting atmosphere that combines functionality with homeliness.
In El Horno de Babette‘s store on General DÃaz Porlier 34, the central design element is a dining room-like setup. A solid oak table takes center stage, displaying the bakery’s variety of breads and inviting visitors to gather around, much like in a family dining space.
The materials chosen—wood, textiles, and glass—along with carefully curated warm, focused lighting, create a domestic ambiance. The design here underscores a departure from a retail-centric approach, offering a setting that feels personal and intimate.
At the Orellana 16 location, Zooco Estudio draws inspiration from the workspace of a bakery itself. The central wooden table reappears, serving as a focal point for the display of baked goods, while metal screens along the walls frame additional exhibition and work surfaces.
The material palette leans toward the industrial, incorporating metal profiles, microcement, terrazzo, and glass. Despite the industrial undertones, the use of wood as a unifying element and the application of warm lighting temper the space, imbuing it with an inviting and approachable character.
The store on Paseo de la Habana 52 takes the concept a step further by reimagining the bakery as a kitchen. Here, a round wooden table becomes the centerpiece, resting atop a ceramic tile “carpet” that anchors the space. Ceramic tiles in varying sizes extend to the walls, complemented by microcement flooring and sprayed cement on the upper walls and ceiling.
Mirrored finishes on the furniture doors and the central table leg enhance the sense of spaciousness and light, further elevating the welcoming feel of the bakery. This design seamlessly integrates utility with charm, blending elements of a working kitchen with those of a cozy domestic environment.
Through these three distinct yet interconnected spaces, Zooco Estudio crafts a cohesive design narrative for El Horno de Babette. Each location offers a unique interpretation of the central table concept, whether as a dining room, workroom, or kitchen.
Together, these spaces redefine the bakery experience, making it more immersive, personal, and memorable while maintaining a unified identity through thoughtful material choices and lighting design.
El Horno de Babette images courtesy of Zooco Estudio, shared with permission
