situated in mumbai’s central business district, ‘cardboard bombay’ by NUDES literally explores ‘thinking outside the cardboard box.’ the project by the architect uses the 100% recyclable and biodegradable material to form the interior of the cafe. the material has been selected as it is extremely versatile and also has excellent sound absorption properties.

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
images © mrigank sharma

 

 

the entire landscape of ‘cardboard bombay’ including the dynamic free flowing geometries, bespoke furniture and light fixtures have been sculpted entirely from cardboard. building with cardboard meant constant exploration and inquiry into material performance. NUDES approached the material as students, constantly diving into research which included prototyping and testing the material in real world constraints including humidity, water resistance and temperature fluctuations.

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
the cantilevered cardboard table exhibits structural properties for it’s intended purpose

 

 

the table tops are impregnated with wax treatment to prevent water absorption and facilitate ease of maintenance. the cardboard is also comprised of approximately 50% air which makes it lightweight and durable. in addition, there exists a strong co-relation between the geometry of the ‘micro’ sinuous fluting of cardboard sheets and the ‘macro’ sinuous free flowing forms. intricate patterns and textures are created by slicing the cardboard fluting at different angles and curvatures governed by geometric discipline. the space aims to engage a dialogue and conversation on the role of design, material and technology in protecting the earth’s resources towards a sustainable future.

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
the open bar area is accentuated with bespoke cardboard lights and indirect lighting

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
there exists a co-relation between the geometry of the ‘micro’ sinuous fluting of cardboard sheets and the ‘macro’ sinuous free flowing forms

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
visitors meander through the organic free flowing cardboard caverns

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
the furniture layout respects the existing site context and exterior vantage views

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
the large table is fabricated entirely from cardboard

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
free flowing ‘cardboard’ injected into the unitized glazing facade of the building envelope

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
cardboard is composed of approx. 50% air, which makes it durable, lightweight and acoustically sound

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
diagram illustrating the relation between the ‘micro’ and ‘macro’

this mumbai cafe by NUDES is made almost entirely from cardboard designboom
the zoning strategy optimizes the irregular site layout to maximize capacity

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘cardboard bombay’

project type: cafe

location: mumbai, india

area: 152 sq.m.

architect: nuru karim, founder & principal of NUDES

clients: bad management and thyme & reason hospitality

design team: nuru karim, yash panchal, zhea kapadia, uttara rajawat, aditya jain

graphic design: tanya eden

project manager: abdur rehman

fabrication: haresh mehta, jayna packaging

kitchen consultant: B.S. international

HVAC: heeqay air-conditioning company

electrical consultant: james electricals pvt ltd.

photography: mrigank sharma

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom