The recycled shipping containers make reference to the long working history of this area of London, plus they are an excellent choice for temporary projects. Painted in a lively set of colors and decorated with both up-cycled and new furniture pieces, the restaurant also features an awesome set of distinctive lighting fixtures.
The cantilevering top story, where the tequila is served, creates a terrace that overlooks the Thames River and a series of murals painted by renowned Mexican street artists. Overall the restaurant can accommodate 150 diners. Opened on the 4th of July, just a day before The Shard’s controversial inauguration, Wahaca’s Southbank Center branch will be open for roughly 18 months before it moves. So get your tapas in living color while you can.
+ Softroom
Via Dezeen
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Temporary pop-up shops are all the rage these days and the Mexican food chain Wahaca isn’t about to be left behind. Their latest experimental restaurant designed by Softroom was constructed using eight stacked recycled shipping containers at the Southbank Center in London. Painted in a variety of bright colors that reflect the spirit of Mexico, the double-story restaurant is organized around a central glass atrium that lets in loads of natural light.
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This is the first time that the Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca has commissioned a temporary restaurant
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Designed by Softroom, the building is constructed from 8 recycled shipping container
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Furnishings are both new and upcycled
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A raised timber deck surrounds the restaurant, creating plenty of seating
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The containers have been painted in a variety of bright colors reminiscent of Mexico
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This is a double-story structure
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The restaurant has awesome views of the Thames River
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The cantilevering top story creates room for a terrace and tequila bar!
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The restaurant opened on July 4th, 2012
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It will stay open for 18 months, before it is relocated
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We love the direction temporary design is taking… so inventive!
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