A new ice cream parlor in Santander, Spain showcases cutting-edge interior design that transforms traditional architectural elements into a modern commercial space. Zooco Estudio, a design firm with offices in Madrid and Santander, has created a striking new location for Regma ice cream parlor on Calle Burgos, offering a fresh spatial interpretation of the Cantabrian brand's evolving identity. The project represents a sophisticated reinterpretation of the brand's nearly century-old legacy through carefully considered geometry, materiality, and color choices.
Regma, which was founded in 1933, has maintained its position as a well-known presence throughout northern Spain for nine decades. Rather than depending on obvious branding elements or overt iconography, Zooco Estudio's interior design translates the company's foundational values of natural ingredients and an approachable color sensibility into a cohesive spatial language that appears naturally embedded within the architecture itself. The entire composition is anchored by a single geometric figure – the rotated square – which creates visual continuity across the timber ceilings, floors, and the street-facing facade.
From the street view, the Zooco Estudio-designed Regma storefront maintains a modest and respectful appearance that harmonizes with its urban surroundings. The timber-framed windows are thoughtfully positioned within two fluted columns, creating a symmetrical front entrance that acknowledges the existing architectural context of the neighborhood. The design approach demonstrates sensitivity to the local environment while introducing contemporary elements that distinguish the ice cream parlor.
The interior's most striking feature is a lattice ceiling structure constructed entirely from oak wood, which defines the entire interior volume and serves as the project's primary organizational element. This gridded ceiling system creates soft-edged shadows that shift and move with natural light throughout the day, adding dynamic visual interest to the space. The ceiling structure stretches uninterrupted across the entire parlor, introducing a consistent visual rhythm while providing the structural framework from which pendant lights and signage are suspended.
The geometric pattern established by the oak ceiling finds its complement at floor level, where travertine slabs are carefully laid in a subtle herringbone configuration. This flooring pattern adds textural depth and visual interest without creating overwhelming visual noise or competing with other design elements. The coordination between ceiling and floor patterns reinforces the unified design concept while creating layers of visual complexity that reward closer examination.
Zooco Estudio's material palette demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how different textures and finishes can work together to create atmosphere. Travertine marble serves as a dominant material throughout the space, appearing on counters, lower wall sections, and flooring in creamy, softly veined tones that evoke natural warmth and craftsmanship. The stone's gentle variations and organic patterns provide visual interest while maintaining the calm, welcoming atmosphere appropriate for an ice cream parlor.
Oak wood appears consistently throughout the interior in multiple applications, including custom seating, wall paneling, and the signature ceiling structure. The wood's warm tones complement the travertine while adding a sense of natural comfort and approachability. The atmosphere remains consistently warm and inviting, but never overstates its presence, with each surface contributing to a unified and immersive environment that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Additional material choices further enhance the space's cohesive character and connection to craft traditions. Clay-based paint provides a muted finish on the upper wall surfaces, effectively absorbing light and grounding the entire space in natural tonality that complements both the stone and wood elements. These painted surfaces serve as a neutral backdrop that allows the more distinctive materials to take center stage while contributing to the overall sense of warmth and comfort.
Stainless steel elements, including stools and various fixtures, offer a deliberate contrast to the warmer organic materials while serving practical functions. These metal components reference the tools and equipment traditionally associated with ice cream production, reinforcing the project's connection to material honesty and traditional craftsmanship values. The steel's clean, reflective surfaces also provide visual breaks that prevent the warmer materials from becoming overwhelming.
The success of the Regma ice cream parlor design lies in Zooco Estudio's ability to create a space that feels both distinctly contemporary and respectful of traditional craft values. The rotated square motif that unifies the project creates visual coherence without becoming repetitive or overly dominant. The combination of the gridded oak ceiling's spatial rhythm, the visual continuity it provides, and the travertine marble's definition of counters, walls, and herringbone flooring demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and geometric organization can transform a commercial space into a memorable destination that honors both brand heritage and contemporary design sensibilities.
