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Mafi Romania Showroom, A Symphony of Nature in Interior Design

Mafi Romania Showroom, A Symphony of Nature in Interior Design

Authors: arh. Irina Stoica, arh. int. Miruna Vlasceanu
Firm: SelfDezign

Collaborators:
Client: STADT Construct
Soluții acustice și mobilier standard: Flokk
Corpuri de iluminat: Traccia
Photo: Bela Benedek

Authors’ Comment

In the heart of Bucharest, on an area of 165 square meters, we created a space where we integrated nature, innovation and sustainability - as a living manifestation of the core values of the Mafi brand.

The inspiration for the project has its roots in a memorable visit of our achitects team to Mafi's headquarters in the small Austrian town of Schneegattern. The image of the owner, over 70 years old, Mr. Fillafer, smiling among the tomato seedlings planted in the factory courtyard, crystallized for us the essence of Mafi: a family business dedicated to sustainability and caring for nature. The unique detail? The tomatoes were growing in barrels previously used to store the natural oil used to treat Mafi's parquet flooring.

The showroom concept transcends the conventional idea of a retail space. We transformed a former clinical space, compartmentalized into small rooms, into an open and airy interior. The design includes a showroom with three display islands, a conference room, a kitchenette and toilet facilities.

In a bold move that pushes the boundaries of traditional showroom design, we utilized Mafi products not only as flooring, but also as a versatile material that clad walls, furniture and even create unique "carpets" out of wood. Here's an approach that highlights the infinite potential of wood in contemporary interior design.

Sustainability is at the heart of this project. We have carefully selected ergonomic furniture and lighting fixtures that follow sustainable production principles. Acoustic solutions, including wall cladding and suspended elements, are made from recycled materials.

The showroom addresses a critical issue in contemporary interior design: the impact of indoor environments on human health. As people today spend around 90% of their time indoors, the materials used in these spaces significantly affect wellbeing. Our design combats "sick building syndrome" by prioritizing natural, non-toxic materials.

The Mafi showroom is not just a commercial space, but a manifesto of biophilic design. Because we have integrated nature into every aspect of the interior design. Innovation is also reflected in every detail of the design. From intelligent lighting systems that mimic natural light to ventilation solutions that ensure a constant flow of fresh air, every technological element has been carefully integrated to complement and emphasize the natural beauty of Mafi wood.

One aspect we find remarkable is the flexibility of the space. The display islands, although seemingly fixed, can be easily reconfigured, allowing the showroom to be adapted for various events or presentations. This versatility turns the space into a living design laboratory where ideas can take shape and be tested in real time.

The color palette, inspired by the natural shades of Mafi wood, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The subtle, carefully placed accents of color add depth and visual interest without distracting from the main protagonist - the natural wood.

We see this project as a manifesto for the future of interior design - a world that inspires, invigorates and enriches the human experience in commercial spaces. Why? Because we envisioned and built a space that not only showcases Mafi products, but also invites visitors to experience a whole philosophy of life - one in which nature, technology and design coexist harmoniously and healthily.