CORE partnered with Street Guys Hospitality on the renovation of the client’s existing restaurant space by unifying all three floors to expand and reinvent Buena Vida. Positioning the brand to expand to new locations, the design translates the client’s vision to re-establish the prototype concept as an honest Mexican experience tied to natural ingredients.
Transporting guests into a natural, jungle-like experience in Tulum, Mexico, the design delivers a warm and sandy color palette of textures that grounds it in an earthen feeling. Lush botanicals enliven the surroundings and serve as a key definer of the experience, creating the impression of dining on the edge of the jungle. All surfaces were carefully selected to exude a sense of easy luxury and comfort, from the velvet tie-dyed fabric on pillows to the textured wood on millwork screens. Tactile graphic finishes invite guests to explore the space and experience moments of surprise. Mirroring nature, the interior lighting pierces organically through surfaces to create natural patterns and deliver an intimate yet explorative dining experience. Nooks and private areas feature deeper, lush colors, creating small oases and refuges for semi-private group dining. The once-exposed mezzanine was redesigned as an organic “treehouse” of wood and cascading plants for private parties or to enjoy a bird’s eye view. Guests ascending the stairs to the rooftop feel like they are climbing a tree in the jungle as they experience the twining and cascading greenery surrounded by dark, moody colors. Offering an indoor lounge feeling with an open-air experience, the rooftop provides guests with unique views of DC as a beautiful backdrop that complements the Mexican Gastropub ambience. Aligning all three floors, the design delivers a sense of curiosity that directly reinforces the client’s vision for the menu, which encourages exploration of new dishes through a shared experience. Photography: Ron Ngiam
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