Artisanal Effect

When the owners of Keit bakery approached Studio Michael Burman to design their new outpost in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, they asked the studio’s founder to create something special. While their pretzels, baguettes and loaves are to-die-for, these days, it’s also about giving customers a little something extra – and Burman delivers just that. His minimalist design has an exquisitely bespoke sensibility that reflects Keit’s artisanal values, effectively telling the story behind the craft of breadmaking via a combination of old and new materials, organic shapes and clean lines.

At the heart of the fit-out is the counter, constructed from an old mill stone that sits atop a bespoke solid timber base. As Burman explains, “When researching my concept, I discovered mill stones are aplenty in people’s gardens. I thought they would make a great centrepiece especially as each has its own personality because of the different markings in the stone. The only issue was finding one to fit the narrow space.”

His solution was to cut the stone into three segments and re-arrange it in a serpentine formation that appears to flow through the interior. Configured like this, the stone looks like a wonderfully ancient artefact and would be a talking-point for any first-time customer. Burman contrasts its earthy robustness with an additional stainless steel segment, as well as the stainless steel shelving system that displays the day’s baked goods. This play of old and new speaks to the traditional processes involved in breadmaking, juxtaposed with the materials of modern-day factory production.

A neutral palette of creams and caramels prevails and the soft glow from the bespoke ceiling pendant adds to the warmth of the space. It’s a beautiful object, in and of itself, and just like the counter base, was designed by Burman. “My inspiration came from bread proofing baskets, which are often made from rattan or wicker,” he says. “I really like their pattering and form, as well as their Japanese lantern-style aesthetic.”

In keeping with the Japanese theme, the pendant and other light fittings are covered in washi paper, and Burman also extended this delicate handmade material to the interior’s walls. The sheets are tiled with a small overlap that creates a subtle grid arrangement, adding to the overall design’s handcrafted appeal. Even the ceiling’s original mouldings lend the scheme a sense of nuance and character. This tiny store is memorable for its immersive, welcoming qualities, and for Burman’s attention to detail, which has resulted in a thoughtful design that heroes the handmade.