Kokomo, a project by Apto Architects, focuses on circularity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Located in Baaibuurt Oost, Amsterdam, it aims to create a vibrant, dynamic space for food, hospitality, and collaboration. The pavilion itself has been developed and built in collaboration with Lorin Brasser, a specialist in timber constructions.
Apto Architects commissioned me to design and execute the bar and pick-up counter for Kokomo. Together with Nina van Bart, a CMF (Colour, Material, and Finishing) designer, I developed an up-cycled material concept. The material concept features a base made from second-hand metal press grids, as they are widely available. We combined the grids with wooden panels salvaged from a demolished ING office. The metal has been powder-coated in a vibrant orange-red, creating a warm tone that complements the natural warmth of the wood.
With Leon de Bruijne, a partner in design and construction, I gathered the appropriate materials and made sketches for the final spatial design. To complete the design, we added wood from a demolished bowling alley and made lamps from leftover rebar wire. An LED system, also salvaged from the ING office, was used to illuminate the bottles in the backdrop, enhancing the space's overall aesthetic. This project demonstrates how upcycling can lead to a refined and sophisticated design through the creative use of colour, materials, and spatial design.
