In London's heart, MA Studio’s Common Breads bakery evokes Beirut’s street culture through artisanal interiors inspired by traditional Kaak bread, blending vibrant design with Levantine heritage.
At the heart of the bakery is Kaak, a traditional Levantine bread crafted from just flour, water, and salt—a simple yet culturally rich staple. Embracing the spirit of Beirut's street vendors, who famously sell Kaak from bicycles, the design beautifully reflects the lively essence of street-side bakeries.
Transforming an ordinary office space into a dynamic retail bakery posed distinct architectural challenges. Central to the new design is the original façade, elegantly highlighted by reinforced columns at the entrance, wrapped in caramel-toned wood reminiscent of Lebanese archways. This deliberate framing invites visitors into a space where the exterior effortlessly blends into the interior, thanks to a poured floor designed to resemble sesame seeds—a direct nod to the simsim coating of traditional Kaak.
Within the bakery, the atmosphere captures Beirut’s street rhythm with deliberate transparency and visual interaction. The open kitchen layout allows passersby and patrons alike to observe the baking process, fostering a sense of community engagement. Decorative Kaak bread hangs strategically, recalling the iconic scenes of vendors cycling through Beirut’s bustling streets, enhancing the authenticity of the spatial narrative.
Lebanese cultural references extend further into the décor, notably through playful checkerboard patterns adorning counters inspired by the communal pastime of backgammon. The countertops are covered with colorful artisanal tiles traditionally used in Lebanese floorings, now creatively repurposed to infuse vibrancy and warmth into the space. Lighting, thoughtfully designed by Fabraca Studios, echoes the purse-shaped form of Kaak bread, reinforcing the project's celebration of craftsmanship and culinary history.
Common Breads bakery by MA Studio thus emerges as a thoughtful intersection of culture, craft, and contemporary design, bringing a slice of Beirut’s spirited street life to central London. By meticulously embedding Lebanese culinary tradition within its design, the bakery invites patrons into a welcoming, immersive experience that resonates deeply with the warmth and vibrancy of Levantine hospitality.
