Tonton is the new restaurant designed by the DIIR architecture studio, located in the Madrid neighborhood of Chamberí. The proposal respects the pre-existing elements, giving importance to tradition.

The restaurant arises from an idea of ​​union between kitchen and space, where the aesthetics used reflect the modernity of its culinary products offered.

The DIIR studio has divided the restaurant into two spaces. The first consists of a welcome area, with a bar area and an anteroom with a large bar accompanied by tables and stools that define the space, giving it a refined, relaxed and informal aesthetic.

The second space, a large dining room, becomes the heart of the project, where a series of benches that allow for different arrangements give the space versatility and flexibility when organizing dinners and events.

The dialogue between the new and the old is a key element in the project. Existing materials such as wood and brick dialogue with more innovative materials such as steel or textiles, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere that reflects the essence of the restaurant.

Tonton by DIIR. Photograph by David Zarzoso.

 Project description by DIIR 

The innovative approach of a cuisine whose main premise is to elevate its product, finds continuity in the space. Thus, Tonton is born from an ambitious culinary bet where cuisine and space cannot be understood without each other. The modernity of its avant-garde product finds similarities with the sophistication of the aesthetic resources implemented. Not without forgetting the importance and defense of tradition. The space is designed with careful attention to the pre-existence. The imposing spatial qualities of this place, as well as the expressiveness of its construction, are maximized to bring out the essence of this wonderful place.

Tonton por DIIR. Fotografía por David Zarzoso.
Tonton by DIIR. Photograph by David Zarzoso.  

Two distinct environments define this restaurant. First, a bar area is designed as a welcoming space. An anteroom with a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which the characteristic notes of a refined aesthetic can be noticed. All this together with a large bar and a set of tables and stools that provide the casual character of this hall. Secondly, a large dining room is projected where every corner breathes design. This space, the heart of the project, is covered by a unique wooden gable roof. The area, practically square, is organized to house a series of benches whose flexibility allows for a variety of layouts. In this way, the versatility of these elements is used to provide an orderly approach that facilitates both group meals and more private events.

Tonton por DIIR. Fotografía por David Zarzoso.
Tonton by DIIR. Photograph by David Zarzoso.  

The need to create a welcoming atmosphere requires the right selection of materials. In this sense, it is important to find a responsible dialogue between the new and the old. Existing materials such as wood or brick are subtly related to the new contributions. The unique masonry pieces define the new constructions and establish a common thread that characterizes the entire project. This solution, accompanied by other more innovative materials such as steel or textiles, creates an enigmatic atmosphere in which it is possible to enjoy a relaxed yet sophisticated experience.

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Architects
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Developer
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Tonton.

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Area
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320 sqm.

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Dates
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November 2023 - June 2024.

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Location
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Madrid, Spain.

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Photography
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estudio DIIR is an architecture firm based in Madrid founded in 2018 by David Meana, Ignacio Navarro, Iñigo Palazón and Ricardo Fernández, all of them architects from the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM), complemented their training with international experiences in the United States, Sweden, France, China or India. This opportunity has given them an open perspective that they now apply in each of their innovative works.

Their projects, marked by a strong strategic and conceptual positioning, have received national and international recognition. Facing projects of multiple scales has allowed them to develop a practice that explores infinite ways to achieve uniqueness through sensitivity and rigor. The various public projects won at the beginning of their journey - some of them currently under construction - are combined with private commissions of all kinds. The achievement of this variety of works has allowed the studio to be awarded by the COAM as an emerging studio in several consecutive years.

Their work has received national and international recognition. In 2018, he was awarded first prize for the construction of a new cultural centre in Los Molinos (Madrid). At the beginning of 2019, he won first prize for the landscaping of Villamayor de Gállego (Zaragoza). And in 2020, he won first prize for the construction of the social-health centre in Plasencia (Cáceres). In addition, he was recently selected among five international finalists to carry out the Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory in Santander.

The strategic and conceptual positioning developed in the various design competitions in which he has been awarded is transferred to domestic spaces. From offices and shops to renovations and homes, estudio DIIR explores various ways to achieve uniqueness through innovation and rigour.

DIIR's philosophy is a dialogue between beauty and life experience. They conceive and transform spaces as places in constant interaction with people's life experience, influencing their daily lives and the quality of their existence. DIIR is a dialogue between rigor and sensitivity. The perseverance and precision with which we approach each project coexists with the delicacy to achieve solutions that are guided by the search for uniqueness. DIIR is a dialogue between timelessness and resonance. Their work moves away from trends and fashions with the aim of achieving spaces that endure over time and that, in turn, have the capacity to generate an impact on those who interact with them.
 

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Published on: March 21, 2025
Cite: "Dialogue between the new and the old. Tonton by DIIR" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/dialogue-between-new-and-old-tonton-diir> ISSN 1139-6415
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