Agua 301's Look Inspired by Ancient Mexico

Agua 301, the new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Zest Bistro coming to Navy Yard, is hoping to have something for everyone. According to designer Michelle Bove of GrizForm Design Architects , who heads up the project, the owners were looking for a space that would be family-friendly, make an impact and appeal to everyone from office workers to those in town for a ballgame at Nationals Stadium.

Bove, along with interior designer Brooke Loewen, were influenced by two major themes when working on the project. One was the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan. The other was the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragán. A custom wall panel within the restaurant is a loose interpretation of a map of the ancient city, adding texture to the space. Rich, pink tones stand out in the restaurant's color scheme, adding brightness without being overpowering or kitchy.

The space is about 3,400 square feet in size, located in the historic Lumbershed building in Navy Yard. Because of the building's historic nature, the designers had to work around large concrete columns and slabs. A wood trellis, meant to invoke the idea of an Aztec or Mayan pyramid, is incorporated near the ceiling of the space. Lighting fixtures are a mix of modern and antiquated. The restaurant will have a striking private dining room, with floor to ceiling windows and a large mix of succulents to give it an outdoorsy feeling. The restaurant will add patio seating next spring.

Agua 301 is targeting a mid-December opening, according to Bove.
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