A Material Haven: Terra Abu Dhabi by Bone Studio.

Achraf Mzily and Natalie Mahakian of Bone Studio have designed a second outpost for Terra at Al Qana, Abu Dhabi. The cafe’s new home seamlessly translates the brand’s distinct architecture while embracing the idiosyncrasies of the local community.

Terra’s character is distinguished by a distinct monochromatic colour scheme. Materials are layered throughout the space, including scratched glazed tiles, patina metal panels, and date seed panels—all adhering to a strictly opulent burgundy palette that winks to the original fit-out in Dubai, yet feels entirely its own.

“My key sources of inspiration were the local culture, the desire to create a visually striking ambience, and a commitment to functional innovation,” Natalie elaborates.

Terra Cafe in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Bone Studio.

Blurring the threshold between form and function, this layered and enveloping space embodies warmth through natural elements...

Translucent raw fibreglass panels clad the existing columns, and a custom fibreglass chandelier complements the interior in tone and texture while a pop of contrasting blue is subtly injected into the space from glazed tiles, lighting and in the kitchen—peeped via the kitchen door.

The flow was designed to establish a strong connection between the kitchen and guests, with Bone challenging the conventions of a restaurant layout. With a tricky triangular layout to work with, the solution was to run the interior parallel to one of the three sides.

“This dynamic challenges norms and fosters a unique dining experience, creating an atmosphere of interaction and engagement,” Natalie continues. This composition allowed for a staggering arrangement of sculptural volumes and open bays in between that harmoniously blended the dining area with the kitchen.

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Designed like a dark and monolithic cave, the wine and small plates bar is situated on the ground floor of a neoclassical building...

The lighting scheme, designed by Lebanon-based Fabraca Studios, responds to the architectural forms, animating a dramatic night experience. Accentuating the architectural features present in the space, the bespoke light fixtures offer a consistent design element repeated throughout the space, showcasing different mounting details. This cohesive lighting design enhances the overall atmosphere and accentuates the architectural features present in the space.

It wouldn’t be a Bone design without an injection of nature. To complete the cafe, they scattered lush greenery throughout as a natural accompaniment to the earthy materiality and centred the interior as a place of refuge away from the surrounding shops and streets.

Natural and Raw: Erth Restaurant in Abu Dhabi by BONE.

This space celebrates cooking as a performance within Qasr al-Hosn, a historical landmark and the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi...

[Images courtesy of Bone Studio.]