Al Tun Tún

For this restaurant in Valencia Sandra Tarruella Interioristas took inspiration from Paris’ bistrot adding a contemporary mood with an installation made of 57 glass lamps.

Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún
Al Tun Tún is the new project by the entrepreneur Valentin Sanchez (Valen & Cia); it is located in a 1930’s building in the city center of Valencia.
The restaurant, on the chamfer corner of America square and Sorní Street opens to the public through large windows and wood frames painted in carriage green. These, together with the outer green awnings, underline the openings on the facade, reminiscent of shops in European capitals of the last century.
As a starting point we were inspired by 19th Century French bistros, popular establishments where a variety of fresh and healthy dishes were served. However in this project we have reviewed the aesthetic from a more contemporary and casual perspective.
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
The restaurant, an old garage, is an open space with high ceilings and a small mezzanine that opens towards the double height space. Under the mezzanine, and acting as central and protagonist element, the kitchen is placed, being visible from all tables that are arranged around it.
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia

The bar connects the kitchen and dining room. It is designed at a lower height to ease the connection between the two spaces. Hence, customers seated in comfortable stools can participate in the preparation of dishes and the chefs’ activity around the island with a white marble finish. The top of the bar is finished in black stone and the front is covered with existing old shutters, in memory of the former shop, together with a worn wooden staircase that goes up to the mezzanine level, also reutilized.

The aesthetic that references to bistros is shown in the premises, using noble and natural materials, such as a rustic oak wood flooring that climbs up the tall walls, and providing comfort and coziness.

Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Also, the use of white and black tones, allow a play of dark and light hues in the furniture with a classic and elegant aesthetic reminiscent of these types of premises. Diferent types of wooden chairs upholstered in black and white are combined with mongoy wood tables and black, gray, and white marbles. Small touches of brass on the edges of the stone tables, bring sophistication.
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
In contrast to the balance and soberness of the space, and as a key and differentiating element of the project, an installation has been designed where 57 glass lamps have been painted and suspended from the ceiling in a theater stage machinery manner. These typical old glass globes, having diferent dimensions, have been partly painted to focus light. Black wires that run along from the ceiling to the lamps are also lowered vertically and in tension to serve as a visual filter in front of the mezzanine. These wires run through the ceiling like a messy and chaotic swarm.
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, Al Tun Tún, Valencia
The intention of this vital and casual installation gives the restaurant its name “al tun tun” (randomly in English) as well as showing the personality of its owner. This light sculpture is the attraction of the premises, since it highlights the room’s height and the views from the exterior, calling the attention of passersby.

Al Tun Tún
Program: restaurant
Designer: Sandra Tarruella Interioristas
Project Leaders: Ricard Trenchs and Elsa Noms
Collaborators: Cecilia Moretti, Núria Calderón, Núria Martinez
Area: 144 sqm

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