Studio Cadena creates forest-like interior with 31 wooden columns for Medellín cafe
Plywood columns and concrete slabs define the wall-free atmosphere of Masa cafe.
1Concept and Materials
Studio Cadena designed Masa cafe in Medellín with a focus on two primary materials: concrete and wood. The six-meter-tall space features 31 slender plywood columns that stretch between two concrete slabs. These columns are not load-bearing but serve to create a stylized forest atmosphere. The studio intentionally limited materials to emphasize texture over color, leaving concrete exposed and using untreated pine-faced plywood for the columns.
2Design Philosophy
Benjamin Cadena, founder of Studio Cadena, aimed to shape the space without traditional walls or partitions. The repetitive use of wooden columns structures movement, filters light, and creates layered depth. The design reflects a minimalist approach, reducing elements to essentials that influence how the space is experienced over time. This philosophy aligns with the studio's recurring interest in resourcefulness and simplicity.
3Light and Atmosphere
The untreated plywood columns subtly reflect light, contributing to the cafe's warm, diffused ambiance. Light bouncing off the wood surfaces defines the space's character. The studio avoided artificial colors, allowing natural materials and vegetation to introduce indirect hues. This approach enhances the connection to nature, reinforced by the columns leading toward an outdoor green space.
4Spatial Experience
The cafe's layout emphasizes openness, with columns guiding movement and sightlines. A circular window at the back offers a view into the production area, adding transparency. The marble counter and stainless steel accents provide subtle contrasts without disrupting the material harmony. The design fosters a sense of enclosure without physical barriers, creating an inviting, layered environment.
5Material Choices
Studio Cadena selected untreated pine-faced plywood for its light-reflective qualities and raw aesthetic. Concrete slabs form the structural shell, left exposed to highlight the building's rawness. The marble bar and stainless steel details were sparingly used to maintain focus on the primary materials. This restraint underscores the studio's commitment to essentialism and functional beauty.
6Connection to Nature
The wooden columns extend toward an outdoor green space, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. This design choice reinforces the forest-like theme and integrates natural elements into the cafe experience. The use of untreated materials and vegetation further enhances this connection, creating a cohesive, organic atmosphere.
7Architectural Impact
The project demonstrates how repetitive elements can define a space's architecture. The 31 columns, though non-structural, perform aesthetic and functional roles, structuring light and movement. The design's success lies in its simplicity, proving that a single, repeated gesture can achieve complex spatial effects without clutter or excess.
8Broader Significance
Masa cafe exemplifies how minimalist design can create immersive environments. Studio Cadena's approach—prioritizing texture, light, and material honesty—offers a model for resourceful architecture. The project highlights the potential of plywood and concrete to evoke natural settings, suggesting new directions for commercial interiors seeking warmth and authenticity.