A relief ceiling depicting a labyrinth of ancient ruins extends above the diners in this restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico, which has been designed by local studio Monteon Arquitectos Asociados.
Monteon Arquitectos Asociados was inspired to create the ceiling after seeing a photo of Casas Grandes, otherwise known as Paquimé ? an archeological site located in Chihuahua, northern Mexico, which contains the architectural ruins of a major pre-Columbian settlement.
Built from the 11th century onwards, its inhabitants lived in complex, multi-storey homes that were crafted from adobe clay.
The restaurant's relief ceiling is based on the archeological site of Casas Grandes
Tracings were taken from the image of Casas Grandes' site and then, using thermoforming, replicated on nine panels of recycled polystyrene. These were then painted with a water-based enamel and arranged on the ceiling to form a largely random pattern. Parts of the panels have been adapted to incorporate spotlights or hide service ducts that lie underneath.
Walls throughout the restaurant are covered with sand-coloured plaster
In a nod to the earthen homes that once populated Casas Grandas, the rest of the restaurant has been made to look as if it's "carved from the ground". All the walls have been washed with a sandy-hued plaster, which was made bespoke for the restaurant.
"Performance tests were made with different ratios of aggregates to achieve a balance of colour, texture, hardness and resist...