Nina+Co Brings Earthy Elegance and Circular Design to London’s Ara

London-based design studio Nina+Co has unveiled Ara, a restaurant that celebrates material authenticity and circular design through the creative reuse of natural and salvaged materials.

Located beside Aldgate East station, Ara was commissioned by Turkish chef Murat Kilic, who approached the studio after being inspired by its work on the zero-waste restaurant Silo.

GALLERY  

Founder Nina Woodcroft was tasked with transforming a bare shell in a new building into a layered, tactile environment defined by craftsmanship and timeless materials. “We didn’t want Ara to feel like it belonged to a single place or tradition,” said Woodcroft. “It’s borderless, both in food and design. It offers a warmth and familiarity common to many cultures in the melting pot of London.”

The restaurant’s walls are finished in raw clay plaster, creating a warm, earthen backdrop. An acoustic spray composed of 95 per cent recycled cellulose softens acoustics and adds texture, while a central bar made from terracotta-hued recycled plastic anchors the room. Its curved form is complemented by sleek bar stools from Danish brand Hay, enhancing the space’s understated refinement.

Much of the furniture was produced in collaboration with Craftworks Productions, using elm rescued from diseased trees that would otherwise have been discarded. The modular elm benches can be reconfigured to suit different layouts and are connected with sliding blocks that eliminate the need for fixings. Removable seat pads are upholstered in fabric derived from waste pineapple leaves, with natural latex foam used as a sustainable alternative to polyurethane.

Ara’s thoughtful detailing extends to its lighting and accessories. Pendant lights are woven from foraged reeds, mirror frames incorporate seaweed, and vintage furniture and décor add depth and history. Living trees planted within the dining area reinforce the restaurant’s connection to nature, while the patinated floor of reclaimed galvanised steel offers a practical, resource-saving finish.

Throughout the project, Nina+Co maintained a strong commitment to circularity and future reuse. From stainless-steel offcuts repurposed into wall lights to mechanically fixed joinery designed for easy disassembly, Ara exemplifies how responsible material use can create beauty, comfort and longevity in contemporary hospitality design.

Images by French + Tye via Dezeen

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