The Loretta ice cream parlour was born from the passion of two Sicilians living in Bilbao, who, with the collaboration of Lázaro Estudio, set out to bring the authentic flavours and ice cream traditions of their homeland to northern Spain. Their vision was to combine high-quality artisanal products from Sicilia with a visual experience that would transport customers to a Sicilian summer, evoking the spirit and vibrant colours of the island.

Loretta is strategically located in a 15-square-metre shop in the commercial heart of Bilbao, housed in a characteristic building of the Ensanche district. The location, along with the design proposed by Lázaro Estudio, aims to capture the attention of those strolling through the city’s shopping streets. With two large shop windows, the store seamlessly integrates its interior with the urban life outside, inviting passers-by to pause and discover what Loretta has to offer.

Lázaro Estudio worked with the premise of creating a strong and distinctive visual identity that conveys the essence of a Sicilian summer.

Drawing inspiration from the colours of the Sicilian flag, the studio selected a palette that softens the traditional red to a warm terracotta tone, creating a welcoming and natural atmosphere. Combined with a vibrant yellow, the palette generates an eye-catching contrast that evokes the sun and the beach–key elements of the Sicilian imaginary.

To further enhance the connection to a traditional ice cream parlour and add a playful touch, Lázaro Estudio designed custom-made, ice cream-shaped lamps specially for the space. These fixtures, painted in the same colour as the ceiling, blend harmoniously into the environment, reinforcing the theme and creating a fun and inviting atmosphere. The lighting scheme highlights both the products and decorative elements, crafting an attractive and dynamic ambiance.

 

One of Loretta’s most distinctive features, conceptualized by Lázaro Estudio, is the bold use of yellow on the façade and shop windows. This vibrant tone conveys the freshness of ice cream and the warmth of summer, serving as a powerful visual magnet to draw in passers-by.

The choice of colour transforms Loretta into a standout landmark in Bilbao’s urban landscape.

Thanks to the creative vision of Lázaro Estudio, Loretta transcends the concept of an ice cream parlour. It becomes an experience that blends tradition with modernity, uniting Sicily’s artisanal flavours with a dynamic design that encapsulates the Mediterranean essence. In its 15 square metres, this cosy and functional space offers high-quality products while infusing the heart of Bilbao with freshness and originality, establishing itself as a unique and characterful destination in the city.

Facts & Credits

Project title: Loretta ice-cream parlou

Project type: Retail architecture

Architecture: Lázaro Estudio

Text: Provided by the authors

Photography: Erlantz Biderbost


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