This project was a welcomed challenge from the very beginning.

The goal was to design an outdoor kitchen and living space that embraced the monumental stones scattered throughout the property — blending the timeless presence of the land with a sense of modern purpose. The vision was always to connect the future with the present.

I set out to create a space that linked all these giant stones, forming natural seating areas where one could unwind after dinner or enjoy an aperitif at sunset. Every element was built using stones extracted from the river that flows through the property, with benches finished in tadelakt, a traditional lime-based plaster. The countertops seamlessly connect to the oven and grill, maintaining a sense of continuity.

While searching for materials, we discovered a striking, shimmering clay in the same river — it became the heart of the handmade oven.

The marble sink, crafted by a local artisan, adds the final touch to the outdoor kitchen, grounding the space in craftsmanship and authenticity.

At the center sits a spacious table, 3.5 m long and 1.5 m wide, seating 14 to 16 guests. It was made entirely from black acacia wood, as were the benches. The table legs came from a fallen eucalyptus tree on the property — every piece repurposed with care and intention.

The bar area was built in brick, finished in tadelakt, and topped with an acacia countertop. Its benches, also made of acacia, mirror the natural warmth of the surrounding landscape.

Lighting throughout the kitchen was handcrafted by a German artisan renowned for his work in cast iron, bringing an elegant industrial touch to the rustic setting.

To complete the space, a low wall was added to define the area and house aromatic herbs, while jasmine climbs over the pergola made from reclaimed old pine wood — a final gesture of connection between nature, craft, and time.