Project name: MAMA MANANA
Architects: balbek bureau \ Slava Balbek, Nata Kurylenko, Uliana Dzhurliak, Liza Kormilets
Project Manager: Natasha Kozak
Project Area: 470 sq. m.
Project Year: 2020
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Photo credits: Yevhenii Avramenko
Description from architect balbek bureau:
“Mama Manana”, a new spot of the Georgian restaurant chain, is located on Prorizna Street. It is a historical part of Kyiv just a few steps away from the Golden Gate. The restaurant occupies 470 sq. m. of a building that was erected in the early 20th century.
Arched windows overlooking the facade of Prorizna Street became the floor’s focal architectural element. We preserved their original form and painted in fresh green in the color of the walls. The rest of the materials and shades were selected according to our gradient concept.
Another focal element of this floor is the textured brick walls. Through the play of light and shadow, they create a unique perceptual experience. Some of the brick we used for the flooring, to evoke the feel of a yard or a garden.
Also, located on the first floor an open kitchen, allows all guests to experience the process of cooking of Georgian dishes and to immediately enjoy their flavorful aroma. The kitchen area is lined with C.I.Form concrete blocks that contribute to the textural quality of the first floor. Illuminated from the inside, they fill the space with soft warm light.
Stairs of the black clinker tile lead to the basement where the restroom is located. With a predominantly dark color scheme, the clay washbasin — handmade made by local craftsmen — provides an accentual contrast.
BANQUET ROOM
SECOND FLOOR
As per our gradient concept, we decided to continue some stylistic choices from the first floor to the second. For one, the flooring of the second floor mirrors the ceiling of the first. On this level we chose warmer colors and tactile materials to evoke the comfortable atmosphere of Mama Manana’s living room.
Along with the window is a soft seating area, which welcomes you to relax and stay awhile. In the middle of the room, we placed a large table and wooden chairs for a cozy family meal by the fireplace. The setting is complemented by a wooden shelf with an extraordinary collection of Georgian wines.
The key feature of this floor is our unique deep-green tiled construction with rounded corners. Inside we placed restrooms on one side and bar facilities on the other. It is lined with eight types of tiles, which vary in size and ornament, made uniquely for us by local craftsmen from Detailes Mosaics.
Against the green-tiled construction brightly stands our copper bar. It perfectly matches the lamps over the communal table, made of the same material.
The stairwell to the third floor is framed by a metal structure of pipes that resemble vines. Continuing to draw inspiration from our gradient concept, the light-colored walls flow into a wooden ceiling made of 50-year-old oak. This oak forms the flooring of the third floor.
THIRD FLOOR
The room is separated from the staircase by a decorative screen made of a material that emulates black fur. It resembles the traditional clothing of a Georgian shepherd. The material was produced from hemp stalks by Ukrainian manufacturer DevoHome.
