Header: Mauricio Carvajal
Designed by Mallol, Krume Bäcker is a recently completed bakery in Costa del Este, Panama. With an interior area of 193 square metres, the project merges architecture with an intense commitment to sustainability. Drawing on the bakery’s Austrian roots, the design reflects values such as simplicity, quality, and tradition, while responding to contemporary expectations and the realities of its Panamanian setting.
The canvas
Perhaps the one defining feature of the space is the use of compacted earth in the construction of the bar and interior walls, a technique developed and applied by Aparato using locally sourced, unprocessed earth. This traditional construction method requires no high-energy manufacturing, which significantly reduces the project’s environmental impact.
The method also provides thermal stability, acoustic insulation, and a textured material finish that complements the space’s identity perfectly. All work was carried out in collaboration with local artisans, contributing to community involvement and the transmission of technical knowledge.
Setting the stage
The furniture used throughout the site was custom-designed by Mallol Lifestyle Studio and elaborated by The Alma Studio using native hardwoods recovered from the Bayano Reservoir. These woods have remained submerged since the region was flooded decades ago and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional timber harvesting. The extraction is managed in partnership with the Guna Madugandí community, utilizing controlled techniques that minimize disruption to the local ecosystem.
Once retrieved, the wood is kiln-dried over several months to ensure its durability and performance. The resulting tables, chairs, and service pieces contribute warmth and texture to the space while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
A business space
The interior layout allows for a variety of uses, ranging from short visits to extended stays. Circulation is open and intuitive, with seating configurations that accommodate individuals and groups available throughout. Welcoming guests is the design itself, with its clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials helping create a calm atmosphere. Lighting is focused on the bakery’s central product, the bread, while contributing to the overall ambiance without drawing excessive attention to itself.
From its material choices to its spatial strategies, Krume Bäcker was designed as a platform for both environmental responsibility and social engagement. The use of local resources, low-impact construction techniques, and handcrafted finishes reflects the project’s goal to go on for as long as possible while staying relevant within Panama’s urban context. The project serves as a model for how commercial interiors can incorporate sustainable practices without compromising design quality or operational functionality.
