Ada in Buenos Aires, Ciudad AutĂłnoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Designed by Muro Studio
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires’ design district, ADA by Muro Studio is a café and wine bar designed with a focus on longevity, adaptability, and connection to context. Blending classic materials with flexible spatial strategies, the space balances quiet sophistication with practical function. We spoke with the designers about their approach and the ideas that shaped the project.
What were the core ideas that shaped your vision for ADA, and how did the surrounding context influence the final design?
The concept for ADA was to create a space that feels like it’s been there for a long time and will continue to last. We were interested in a design that avoids trends—something durable and grounded.
The location had a strong impact on our decisions. Being in a traditional neighborhood, but also in the center of the design district, meant we had to respond to both the local history and the creative energy around it. The neutral, classic design works well with the surroundings. Art is displayed throughout the space, and we plan to develop a system for ongoing art sales.
Materials like acrylic, steel, and granite were chosen to give a sense of sophistication without feeling overly polished. Wood and leather were added to bring warmth. The marble-inlaid tables reference older, traditional restaurants nearby.
How did you approach the transition between interior and exterior, particularly with the folding façade?
The folding façade is key to the project’s flexibility. It allows the entire front of the café to open to the street, encouraging indoor-outdoor flow. This is especially useful on theater nights or weekends when the neighborhood slows down. The goal was to make the space adaptable for different moments and to strengthen its relationship with the street.
What inspired the design of the central bar and the suspended metal shelving?
The shelving system was designed primarily to display food jars and bottles prepared in-house. These bring color and life into the space and reflect the variety of offerings. Visually, the bar and shelving help define the rhythm of the interior. The materials—metal and acrylic—maintain the overall tone of the project while giving the shelving a more sculptural presence.
How did you select the materials and palette to create a calm yet sophisticated space?
We kept the material palette minimal and intentional. Acrylic, steel, and granite form the base, giving a sense of order and refinement. We then introduced wood, leather, and marble in specific places to add contrast and warmth. Everything was chosen to avoid excess while creating a balanced atmosphere—quiet, but not plain.
How did ADA’s dual purpose as a daytime café and evening wine bar influence the lighting, furniture, and layout?
ADA needed to shift easily throughout the day. We designed a neutral base that could adapt with changes in lighting and small adjustments like curtains. The layout includes a variety of seating types to support different uses—hotel guests having breakfast, people working alone, groups meeting for dinner, or casual drinks at the bar or outside. Flexibility was essential to the overall concept.
How do you define success in a project like this—what kind of emotional or sensory response were you hoping to evoke?
We weren’t aiming for spectacle. Success for us is creating a space that feels natural, comfortable, and lasting. A place people come back to not because it’s loud or trendy, but because it makes them feel good. The emotional response we were looking for is subtle—a sense of calm, familiarity, and quiet interest.
