• Date : 2014
• Client : Private client
• Status : Completed
• Location : Tudela, Navarre

CHOCOLAITA

What many years ago used to be a modest carpentry workshop in the Spanish town of Tudela, today houses a charming “txoko” where the client, family and friends come together to share their passion for local gastronomy. The concept “txoko” goes back to the late eighteen hundreds and literally means nook, cozy corner in Basque.

Before the renovation the workshop was in rough shape. When we entered the space, the deterioration of some parts was shining in the sun, and the changes of light and shadow unexpectedly eliminated the original sense of frustration and gave us a rough sense of beauty. During the renovation, we deliberately retained some rough parts to let them show the rugged charm, to let a sense of history be exposed and enhance a sense of strength of the building structure. Structural timber beams and brick columns were left exposed, original doors and windows were brought back to live and some of the original working tools were repurposed.

The client’s only concern was privacy from the street and fluent interaction with family and friends while cooking. With that in mind we freed up the space by designing an open floor plan and respectfully placing a new “box” (the bathroom) near the front door to provide privacy and create an entry sequence into the main space. The cooking, dining and sitting areas open up to the exterior where the outdoor kitchen and garden take center stage during the warmer months.