Commune Design created this beautiful cozy bakery, the Breadblok, in Santa Monica, California. At the center of Breadblook is the story of the product –– gluten-free bread, born of tradition. It’s the story of a French family that has been adapting recipes to accommodate allergies for generations. With that in mind, Commune Design wanted the design to convey quality, authenticity, and a sense of place. They’ve selected materials that can be left in their raw state and will age beautifully – warm alder wood for shelves and millwork, terracotta floors, plaster walls, and textured limestone counters.
Like the product, the materials are timeless but the details are modern. The counter floats on stone plinths and the walls are treated with a patchwork of tonal plasters. As they developed the concept for the bakery, they were asked to translate it into a bespoke farmers market stand that would introduce the Breadblok brand to LA. For the structure, Commune looked to the simple wood and canvas stands that have been used in European outdoor markets for centuries. Sawhorses support a long table and anchor the framework for a canopy above.
They worked with Rojas Fabrication to adapt the design to the realities of LA. The structure would need to be packed in a van and assembled in 20 minutes. Efficiencies aside, they wanted to fill the stand with thoughtful handmade elements that reference craft traditions. The plaster wall treatment from their bakery concept became the inspiration for a canvas and linen patchwork tablecloth by Adam Pogue.
