Emerging in the 1950s, Brutalism divided opinion with its imposing, monolithic forms and bold use of raw concrete. As advancements in concrete technology pave the way for more sustainable applications, Brutalism may be poised for a revival. Recently, this has become evident in the hospitality sector, where concrete is being embraced for its striking yet minimalist aesthetic – see these four hospitality spaces.

Cover and Above: David Zaroso

Brutalist forms bring dynamism to unexpected places 

Zooco Estudio utilize concrete, wooden components and specialized lighting to renovate and transform the Maritime Museum in Spain into an immersive experience. Situated on Severiano Ballesteros Street in Santander, Spain, the museum comprises two square bodies connected by a canopy. Zooco Estudio introduced a concrete structure to reinvigorate the restaurant and terrace on the second floor, referencing the oceanic surroundings. The square form of this volume results from adding four triangles that complete the shape of the original building. Inside, false wooden ceilings in triangular patterns frame the concrete structure. The lighting employs straight metal bars and spherical balls to replicate a ship’s mast. These elements alongside wooden slates create a cosy experience, evoking a ship’s cabin. This material-focused space, featuring concrete, triangular wooden false ceilings, and a sea-view glass box, pays homage to the surrounding ships, incorporating biophilic design principles. 

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Photo: Ruben Movsisian

Minimal design streamlines spatial function and focus 

Designed by Amsterdam-based practice Kidz Studio, Gymnasium showcases the power of minimalist design to create an environment that fosters focus. The 1,000-sq-m space establishes a powerful, cohesive brand identity by merging industrial design elements with organic materials and a bold, brutalist edge. Upon entering, visitors pass through a concrete portal with a glass insert – an intentional design that signals a shift into an environment focused on personal growth through sport. Gym-goers are then welcomed by a reception desk composed of three sleek white cubes. The lecture hall is reimagined as a modern take on a fighter’s ring, offering a serene observation zone for parents to watch training sessions or connect while waiting. An intuitive spatial hierarchy unifies the primary sports areas, inspired by the progression of colour belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the white tatami mat, representing purity and learning, is designated for children's classes, while the black tatami mat, reserved for advanced practitioners, symbolizes sophistication and discipline. 

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Photo: Arseni Bodarch and Simon Barazin

Exposed materiality connects design to sustainability and origin 

The Coffee Organization's latest Tel Aviv location utilizes raw materiality to express coffee’s journey from farm to cup. A hub where coffee enthusiasts can learn, research and experiment through lectures and workshops, C28 is aimed at furthering the community The Coffee Organization has built with its Tel Aviv café locations. Continuing on previous collaborations with the organization, Studio Simon Barazin was brought on board to craft an accessible, cost-effective space evocative of coffee’s humble origins. Able to host ten people at a time, the 40-sq-m Coffee Organization Studio embodies a raw aesthetic, with exposed plaster, a seating system comprising technical materials like birch wood and Polaritan foam, construction gravel and a concrete cast table – the centre of the space. Opting for this no-fuss approach confronts people with our material reality, a prompt to think carefully about the ways in which we can use the mundane to eliminate waste. 

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Photo: Ilya Ivanov

Stripping architecture back to its bones uncovers authenticity and cultural depth 

Freya Architects took cues from Belgrade's brutalist history to inform Chernyi Cooperative Coffee Roasters' latest post in the city's Stari Grad, striking a balance between old charm and modern architecture. Restored floor-high windows flood the café with light, enhancing the industrial aesthetic of the single-storey space, which has been split into three distinct areas. Through reimagining the shapes of buildings, scaling them down and converting them into interior elements, the architects have achieved a minimalistic, raw aesthetic that takes cues from Belgrade’s brutalist history. Chimney blocks form the base of benches, paving slabs create food and lifestyle counters, and old bricks are repurposed for the cash register area, all of which help to embrace the style’s communal ethos – the café promotes cooperation and community in its approach to specialty coffee. A ribbon bench links visitors, fostering a sense of togetherness, while concrete cylinders promote a communal coffee bar vibe. 

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