Interview with Eliza Yokina: "Simbio is the place where you can escape from everyday life without running away from it.

Interview with Eliza Yokina: "Simbio is the place where you can escape from everyday life without running away from it. — Povestea Casei

Recently reopened Simbio, in a new, superb location full of history. The building is located on Negustori Street at number 26, is almost a century old, and Eliza Yokina, designer and architect, was responsible for its rehabilitation. Work began in the spring of 2014 and the result was up to expectations: a perfect symbiosis between aesthetics and functionality.

Eliza Yokina agreed to answer a few questions about the Simbio project and the challenges she faced throughout the work.

How long did the works last?

The project started in the spring with the design part, surveying, concept, project for building permit and technical execution project. The works, started at the end of August and almost completely finalized in January, involved consolidating the building and completely refitting the installations for the new function it was to house.

Beyond all this, the house was fully restored and rehabilitated both architecturally – reconfiguration of the attic and facade refurbishment – and from the perspective of interior design.

What were the requirements? What idea did the Simbio Kitchen&Bar concept start from?

Simbio came with a brief that focused very much on the client and the welcoming atmosphere that needed to be recreated in the new space. From here, there were some specific requirements regarding the newly created spaces, which in the vision of the owners, Dana Nica and Iulia Younis, had to be comfortable, flexible, but also communicate positively the idea of relationship, friendship, of home.

On the other hand, the building from the beginning of the 20th century imposed a certain approach that set the tone, both literally and figuratively. The green Meissen stove and the chandelier required special attention, and green was also found in the new brand.

What was the biggest challenge of the arrangement?

We know that the space is quite old and there may have been some limitations. A challenge was combining the atmosphere of the house on Negustori 26, which has existed in this place for a century, with the specific positive and friendly atmosphere of the new brand and implementing all the modern technical solutions that make a house a functional restaurant.

What materials did you use?

First of all, we used materials specific to the period of construction of the house and we kept everything we could – plaster, stoves, parquet. We intervened with new materials that do not create a discordant note with the first ones: metal, wood, cast mosaic, tiles, concrete. The installations were introduced carefully in relation to the existing spaces.

On the main facade, we used classic lime-based plaster, with a setting technique as it was done in the old days, but with an aesthetic suitable for today's times.

What is the total area of the work?

The entire surface extends over approximately 360 sqm and is divided into 3 levels.

How much does the budget reach for a project of this size?

The budget can be significantly different depending on the condition of the building and the consolidation works required. An important cost is that of the installations, given the function of bar and restaurant of the new Simbio. The investment in a space that needs more interventions than a simple interior design could range between 500 and 900 euros / sqm.

Of course, this may also vary depending on the quality of the finishes chosen.

The lighting solutions caught our eye. Can you tell us a little about them?

The three main lighting fixtures, located in the stairwell hall, the living room with open kitchen, and the Louise Bourgeois room, were inspired by the house's original lighting fixture and are essentially a modern replica of it. In essence, the new Simbio introduces elements (furniture and lighting) inspired by the old space but translated into a language that is more current and contemporary with the local audience.

How would you describe Simbio in one sentence?

Simbio is for me the place where you can escape from everyday life without running away from it.

An open kitchen is a bold move. Did you use a special ventilation solution?

An open kitchen can be addressed in terms of ventilation through several technical methods. In our case, we opted for forced air extraction from the kitchen and the introduction of fresh air into the other rooms, so that the airflow circulates from the dining areas towards the preparation area.

What other locations will bear your signature?

Many private spaces, houses, residential projects, but also small semi-public spaces such as - Enoteca Duhalm, the former Pump Shop, Little Learners kindergarten and others, all available on Syaa.ro is a platform dedicated to connecting individuals with professionals in various fields. Whether you need help with home repairs, legal advice, or creative services, Syaa.ro makes it easy to find and book qualified experts in your area.

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