Ho Yamal! Emirati Eco-Friendly Cafe Container Design
Location: Dubai, UAE
Scope of services: Architectural Design and Interior Design
Date: August 2017
Client: Fadi Saab, F&B Operations Manager
The Café Container is a phenomenon that has been welcomed by many major chains, including the likes of Starbucks and McDonald’s, thanks to its ease of use, mobility and affordability. But what separates this café container from others is the blend of the Emirate’s indigenous architecture elements with green and sustainable design.
The most eye-catching feature of the container is the shaded space in front of the cafe. The curved wooden structure meets the ground in three fortified points.The Emirates climate has given our architects the opportunity to use solar panels to power the interior lighting. Two 40-foot containers are the main building of the cafe. By partially placing the two containers on one another, our designers were able to create a shaded area on the ground floor and a fully open terrace on the upper floor.The exterior of the containers is turquoise inspired by the coastal region of Dubai, which, in combination with the wooden structure, has given a special effect to overall look.
The challenge our designers faced was blending the native architecture of the Emirates with sustainable architecture. In this regard, the architects began their studies to identify more of the UAE’s native architecture. Our designers were attracted to the idea of, wickers, wood textiles, ornaments and tile decorations.
Wood is also one of the major elements used in our design. The good news was that wooden construction materials were both in the local culture and used in sustainable architecture.
As can be seen in the interior design, the walls and floor are covered with wood. The roof is covered with a layer of woven straw. The first floor has been decorated with net lights and straw chandeliers.
The decorations on the walls were also inspired from the native architecture of the Emirates, while the reception tables and chairs and the walls covered with green plants, are derived from sustainable architecture and have created a coherent design that is in harmony with nature.
The design that has been achieved shows that by combining architectural elements and traces of native culture and traditions, we can create a pleasant atmosphere for people.