August 2, 2019

Memphis Colors and Italian Tradition Mix in a Tricota-Designed Buenos Aires’ Café

With its geometric appeal and pink-and-blue palette, Duca Caffé & Apericena in Buenos Aires might bring to mind the Memphis design movement. But its inspiration was much closer to home, explains Ezequiel Norry, co-founder and designer of Tricota, also in Buenos Aires, who headed up the coffee and small-plates café’s design.

Citrino manufactured the custom stools, with powder-coated bases and terrazzo seats. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.

“Argentina is a country of European immigrants. We’re basically sons of Spanish and Italians,” says Norry. Similarly, the cafe was “trying to combine the coffee and the appetizers in one concept.” The team hit upon the Italian concept of apericena, Norry notes, and took it as part of its name. “It’s a moment of the day where you drink and eat, sharing and talking with friends.”

Near the entrance to the terrace, a pink stairway to the second floor connects with an all-access bathroom behind a wood door. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.

The space is small, with two levels of about 330 square feet each. But the look is large: steel furniture softened with velvet; contrasting terrazzo floors and tabletops; and an eye-popping paint scheme that Norry says is his favorite element of the design. “We´re really proud of the combination and contrast generated with the lighting and darkness,” he says. “Depending on the time of day you can feel the place is warmer or a little bit colder, and that´s a nice experience for the customer.” No matter where their home might be.

The Tricota team chose the color and insets for Pimux’s terrazzo flooring throughout, which coordinates with terrazzo tabletops. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.
Painted steel signage announces the café, with a terrace debuting the commercial use of these chairs by Ten Muebles. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.
Banquettes, by Estudio Ohio and Estudio Ripani, are powder-coated steel with velveteen upholstery. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.
Counters are curved sheets of iron, topped with Petiribi Wood. Photography by Tomas Ledesma.

For more chic terrazzo: X+O Blends Laid-Back Lush With Australian Gastronomy for the Full Circle Café in Bali

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