How Spaces Architects Embraced an Abandoned Tree in Gigi’s Design

While this summer season has astounded us with loud and funky designs, it’s refreshing to see spaces created with a calmer approach, full of nuances that prioritise the beach’s natural charm. Gigi’s, a Greek burger bar, asked Spaces Architects to design their location at Ghazala Bay on Egypt’s North Coast, integrating them with the feel of this popular beach destination, and the aesthetics of the local Bedouin people’s culture.

“They wanted to blend their Greek identity with traditional aesthetics so that it blends effortlessly with the environment,” Tamer Al Nazer, co-founder of Spaces Architects, tells #SceneHome. Gigi’s brief insisted that he and co-founder Mai El Hossiny only use locally-sourced materials in the design.

Framing the Mediterranean with its clean outline, the bar’s main entrance neighbours a cypress tree - a holdover from a previous restaurant that occupied the site. “When we got to the location we found this cypress tree left to decay and surrounded by storage and junk,” Al Nazer recalls. “We felt like it didn’t belong in some backyard and instead should be the main focus of the space. It ended up embodying the spirit of the place. It’s the only striking aspect of the venue, while everything else is simple and reserved.” The 15 metres-high cypress provides shade during the day, and – after the designers complemented it by hanging lighting pendants from it – provides light at nighttime.

Gigi’s design is oriented to view the sea from all spaces, whether you’re dining in the main area, drinking at the bar, or enjoying uninterrupted views from the sea-level lounge area where you’re a literal footstep away from sand. “The lounge is slightly more saturated, with a faded shade of maroon and crème on the cushions and furniture,” El Hossiny says, referring to the custom-made furnishings decorating the space.  “Most of the palette we used was off-white, it was only the bar stools that had a distinct red colour as the brand’s logo was adapted to look more vibrant at the beach. So we made the connection to their summertime identity on the natural leather stools.”

As tree trunks cover the entire venue, organic shadows are printed onto the design’s minimal walls, further emphasising the designers’ approach of being minimal and unobtrusive without pouring artificial materials into the space. Taking into consideration the slightest of details such as only using cactus families for the landscaping, as the venue is meant to operate year-round, the restaurant evokes an atmosphere imbued with calm visuals, Greek music, and ultimately, the sand and sea.

Photography Credit: Louay Nasser