Amalfi Coast Restaurant Presents a Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Working on a design concept for a restaurant requires careful consideration of the client’s vision and functional aspects that make the space attractive to patrons – a worthy challenge for the best architects. In the featured project, the architects had to consider the ideas of four passionate brothers who had joined forces to create a unique dining destination on the Amalfi Coast.
While the clients wanted the space to reflect the region's architectural heritage, they also wanted contemporary details to make the restaurant more alluring to customers. Let’s see the design conceived by the architects at PHASEZERO to understand how the professionals blended tradition and modernity to perfection.
Elegance steeped in history
The architects chose the finest Cotto tiles to reflect local tradition, and the restaurant is aptly named “Cotto Eleganza”. Cotto tiles have been used for centuries in elegant buildings in the region. Moreover, the architects sourced the tiles from an old furnace steeped in local history. The ancient furnace, established in the 14th century, was initially responsible for crafting Cotto tiles for luxury hotels. Even today, the tiles continue to epitomise luxury in the region.
Handcrafted to perfection
The architects sourced meticulously handcrafted tiles from the 700-year-old furnace per custom specifications to add a unique feature to the restaurant design. An advantage of Cotto tiles is that they can be crafted in custom sizes, colour grades, and with decorative inserts – perfect for creating a stunning tapestry of geometric and organic patterns that add tactile and visual interest to the space.
An infusion of modernity
As a juxtaposition between the ancient and the modern, the architects incorporated microcement. Besides adding a modern twist to the design, the material infuses a rustic charm, enhancing the restaurant’s allure. Together, the two materials create a timeless aesthetic where the ancient and modern worlds intersect, enhancing the restaurant’s visual appeal to its patrons.
Open concept
A unique feature of the design is the absence of traditional walls. Instead, bespoke furniture is used to create partitions that retain the openness of the space while offering privacy. Solid wood furniture adds to the rustic visual, seamlessly blending with the Cotto tiles and microcement elements.
Multifunctional furniture
In the VIP space, including the chef’s table, custom-crafted solid wood furniture replaces the traditional wall. The bespoke furniture serves as a winery, offers storage, and incorporates an office into its design. While the wood tones enhance the restaurant’s rustic charm, the sleek design upholds the principles of utility and elegance that define the establishment’s vision.
A seamless blend of tradition and modernity
The materials and the design create an alluring visual – one of a space that pays homage to the region’s past while embracing contemporary elements required to take the establishment into the future. “Cotto Eleganza” is a beautiful combination of traditional and modern architectural elements, creating a captivating dining experience that reflects the dreams and aspirations of the four brothers.
This project on the Amalfi Coast is one of many in PHASEZERO’s portfolio. The London-based firm, which also has a footprint in Barcelona and Italy, draws inspiration from local materials and architectural furnishings for each project to create unique spaces with character and harmony. Contact PHASEZERO for weaving elegance and innovation into your living spaces.
