RESTAURANT UMAYYA

Boulevard de la Corniche Casablanca

Surface / Area : 270 m2
Coordination / Coordination : PrestoBat Maître d'ouvrage / Client : Le Groupe Cabestan Photographe / Photographer : Alessio Mei

Facing the Atlantic ocean with sublime scenery, the Restaurant Umayya is located near a lighthouse on the coast of Casablanca. The full renovation - from a Middle Eastern cabaret to a chic brasserie serving Levantine cuisine - was achieved by revealing the space to the elements - - the ocean, the sky and vegetation. Stretching the x, y and z axis of the existing space allowed for high ceilings (330cm) and a 15% opening of the roof surface area. This zenithal lighting instantly floods into the space and enhances the magnificent views towards the rocky shoreline and the ocean beyond. In addition, a small garden welcomes patrons at the entrance, and a new terrace faces the water.

The entry plaster arcade, the arched windows and the half arcades were selected to generate a warm, welcoming, Mediterranean atmosphere. The intention to combine white fluted plaster, ice blue zellige tiles, oak panels and navy blue tinted glass is to recall shades of the ocean in an elegant environment. The abundant use of bronze tinted mirrors allows to multiply views of the ocean and offers a larger choice of seating, all with unobstructed views. 

The new terrace, constructed on a black steel structure, provides outdoor dining surrounded by cactus planters emerging from below, making the wood deck platform appear as if floating above the rocky shore. Rattan chairs and black marble top tables with an aluminum base are carefully chosen to resist abrasive sea air and amplifies the overall aesthetic of the restaurant.

There is an intentional theme of contrast between materials: the dark peacock blue exposed industrial ceiling with the white fluted art deco plaster walls; black tulip chairs; long hazelnut leather banquettes; black marble tables and all black steel lighting fixtures.

In a playful manner, the restrooms are entirely clad with zellige tiles in five different shades: chocolate, pink, red, purple and peach. Each restroom takes on a different color and tile size as well as varying ceiling heights. The zellige, a typical Moroccan mosaic clay tile, is also used on the walls of the restaurant which anchors it to its local, and yet contemporary, urban context.

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