Laurel, myrtle, pomegranate, lavender. A lily pond and cypresses, pines, olive trees. This is the marvelous garden of the Goulandris Museum of Natural History in Athens, containing the new Natu Restaurant designed by the Greek group Stones and Walls.
Natu Restaurant, Goulandris Museum of Natural History, Athens – Photo © George Sfakianakis
This architecture firm has intervened with quiet tact in the remarkable context, using natural materials – wood, linen, stone and ceramics – for the indoor spaces and outdoor zones, with a range of earth tones to obtain an environment in which the clear forms of the architecture are fluidly inserted in the surrounding natural setting.
Natu Restaurant, Goulandris Museum of Natural History, Athens – Photo © George Sfakianakis
This relaxing outdoor space also welcomes the outdoor furnishings created by Pedrali, whose forms, colors and materials emphasize the fact that nature is the true protagonist (hence the name Natu). In the shady zones created by the trees and a series of gazebos, amidst aromatic herbs, seats, armchairs, stools and tables from the Nolita collection by CMP Design offer the chance for a pause in a busy day, or a rest after a visit to the museum.
Natu Restaurant, Goulandris Museum of Natural History, Athens – Photo © George Sfakianakis
Available in tones of forest green and entirely made in steel, Nolita is an outdoor seating family that links back to the roots of the historic company founded by Mario Pedrali in 1963, with the first metal garden chairs, replicating their solidity and iconic forms.
Natu Restaurant, Goulandris Museum of Natural History, Athens – Photo © George Sfakianakis
Alternating with exclusive outdoor artworks as an extension of the museum experience, the Ikon tables offer an architectural image, with a conical base in injection-molded polypropylene and round tops.
Inside the dining rooms, the décor is completed by the Concrete tables with a concrete base, steel column and round or square tops. Both models have been designed by Pio & Tito Toso.
Photo © George Sfakianakis
