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Cafe Salines

Cafe Salines

Formentera, Spain

"Designing a café in Formentera is designing a pause along the way. A place where the island comes to rest"

Cafè Salines was conceived as the natural extension of Can Micalet: a gastronomic space open to the unhurried rhythm of Formentera, designed to welcome the newly arrived traveller and the resident looking for their everyday corner. The intervention reinterprets the language of the Mediterranean café through a contemporary lens, where artisanal, organic and locally sourced produce finds a setting worthy of it. Centuries-old sabina trees preside over the entrance and define the character of the place: nothing here competes with nature; everything complements it.

Cafè Salines was conceived as the natural extension of Can Micalet: a gastronomic space open to the unhurried rhythm of Formentera, designed to welcome the newly arrived traveller and the resident looking for their everyday corner. The intervention reinterprets the language of the Mediterranean café through a contemporary lens, where artisanal, organic and locally sourced produce finds a setting worthy of it. Centuries-old sabina trees preside over the entrance and define the character of the place: nothing here competes with nature; everything complements it.

The project solves a high-use venue — open from first thing in the morning until late at night — without sacrificing a serene, carefully considered atmosphere. The layout prioritises natural light and a fluid connection between the interior and the terrace, creating a versatile space that changes throughout the day: a bright brunch at dawn, long lingering lunches at midday, and a more intimate setting at dusk. The interior design uses noble materials and a warm palette that complements the outdoor greenery, creating a refuge that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.

The project solves a high-use venue — open from first thing in the morning until late at night — without sacrificing a serene, carefully considered atmosphere. The layout prioritises natural light and a fluid connection between the interior and the terrace, creating a versatile space that changes throughout the day: a bright brunch at dawn, long lingering lunches at midday, and a more intimate setting at dusk. The interior design uses noble materials and a warm palette that complements the outdoor greenery, creating a refuge that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.

Project gallery

Key Spaces

Bar and coffee area

The heart of the project. A counter conceived as the main feature, where craftsmanship becomes visible and the everyday coffee ritual gains presence. The menu in chalkboard format reinforces the venue's dynamic, artisanal character, integrating as a graphic element within the interior design itself.

Interior room

A cosy, bright space, with high ceilings and generous openings that let in the Mediterranean light. Versatile furniture designed for both a solo breakfast and a long get-together, where everything from artisan toast and fresh juices to more elaborate dishes is served.

Terrace beneath the juniper trees

The most distinctive feature of the project. An outdoor terrace sheltered by centuries-old juniper trees, where the design steps back and lets the tree, filtered light and the breeze do their work. The most photographed space in the venue, and also the most well-used.

Details

Colour palette

Off-whites, beige, soft earth tones and leafy greens. A neutral, warm palette that complements the natural light and engages with the outdoor greenery without imposing itself.

Materials and textures

Wood, stone, natural fibres and handcrafted ceramic pieces. An honest selection that connects with Formentera's vernacular architecture and reinforces the artisanal spirit of the culinary offering.

Furnishings

Pieces with clean lines and restrained proportions, in light woods and natural upholstery. Robust yet warm furnishings, designed to withstand the pace of a venue that comes alive from breakfast until night.

Lighting

Natural light during the day, softened by the shade of the sabina trees on the terrace. At dusk, warm, focused lighting transforms the space without breaking its serene character: pendant lights over the tables and indirect wall lighting.