Architectural Cases

XXXI.studio introduces BAZ, a novel front-cooking restaurant in Lisbon that transforms the culinary experience into an engaging theatrical performance. This innovative project emphasizes transparency and a direct connection between the kitchen and dining area, primarily through a monumental 15-meter charred wood counter. The design philosophy eschews superfluous adornment, instead celebrating the intrinsic qualities of raw materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The result is an immersive, honest space where the act of cooking is brought to the forefront, creating a unique atmosphere that is both visually captivating and deeply resonant.

Lisbon's BAZ Restaurant: Where Culinary Artistry Unfolds

In the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, XXXI.studio has recently unveiled BAZ, a revolutionary dining concept. The architectural journey of BAZ commences with a sharply defined facade, featuring a minimalist stainless steel box that serves as a seamless transition from the bustling street to the serene interior. Within the restaurant, the core of XXXI.studio's vision materializes in a striking 15-meter long counter. This meticulously crafted element, inspired by the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, underwent a precise process of sculpting, charring, brushing, washing, and varnishing. Its organic texture, imbued with subtle irregularities, acts as the spiritual core of the space. This impressive counter dramatically divides the interior, creating an unexpected yet harmonious balance between the service and dining areas, allowing for a completely unhindered view of the culinary process. As co-founder Carlos Aragão articulately describes, both the service and guest experiences coexist, fully visible to each other, fostering an unparalleled sense of connection and transparency. The studio's integrated approach, overseeing both design and construction, ensured that the conceptual clarity was preserved, and the artisanal quality of the materials celebrated. BAZ stands as a testament to the power of design where authenticity and raw elements speak volumes, offering an atmosphere that is not merely observed but profoundly felt.

This innovative approach to restaurant design offers a compelling insight into the evolving landscape of hospitality. By breaking down traditional barriers between the kitchen and dining room, BAZ creates a more intimate and engaging experience for guests. It highlights the beauty of the culinary process itself, transforming a meal into a multisensory event. This project serves as an inspiration for designers and restaurateurs alike, demonstrating that thoughtful, transparent design can elevate everyday experiences into memorable artistic encounters.

Conner & Perry Architects have masterfully revitalized John Lautner's historic hillside residence, ensuring its modernist integrity endures while integrating contemporary enhancements. The renovation thoughtfully addresses both the structural and aesthetic elements, from the distinctive cylindrical stone turrets that punctuate the exterior to the intricately detailed interior spaces. This project exemplifies a delicate balance between modernization and the preservation of a significant architectural legacy in Los Angeles.

The comprehensive overhaul included meticulous attention to the home's unique timber roof structure and bespoke interior finishes. Essential systems were discreetly updated to meet modern efficiency standards, showcasing a commitment to both performance and aesthetic fidelity. Furthermore, the surrounding landscape was reconfigured to complement the architecture, reinforcing the harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural, rugged terrain. These interventions collectively breathe new life into Lautner's vision, demonstrating how historical architecture can evolve without losing its soul.

Preserving Originality While Embracing Modernity

Conner & Perry Architects undertook the renovation of John Lautner's acclaimed hillside property in Los Angeles with a primary goal of enhancing functionality and structural integrity while strictly adhering to the initial design philosophy. Built in the early 1980s, the residence is distinguished by its cylindrical stone elements, which serve both as architectural features and programmatic spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and circulation areas. These turrets create a rhythm of projecting terraces that offer panoramic views of the canyon. The refurbishment carefully integrated modern building performance upgrades, ensuring that new additions like improved insulation and weather protection respected the original architectural lines and forms. This meticulous approach allowed for essential improvements without compromising the aesthetic and conceptual foundations laid by Lautner.

The exterior's iconic stone cylinders were maintained, preserving the home's defining characteristic. Between these cylinders, terraces extend outwards, strategically positioned to frame the breathtaking Los Angeles landscape at regular intervals. This thoughtful design ensures that the interplay of mass and void continues to define the residential experience. The architects' commitment extended to the details, ensuring that all new materials and structural reinforcements blended seamlessly with the existing elements. For instance, the use of copper caps on exterior beams was a deliberate choice, anticipating a natural patination that would harmonize with the aged stone and timber, thereby maintaining the original aesthetic intent and enhancing the building's dialogue with its environment over time.

Refined Interiors and Integrated Landscape Elements

Inside Lautner's Castle, the renovation by Conner & Perry Architects focused on rejuvenating the internal spaces and improving functionality without disrupting the established design language. The curving hallway, defined by its ribbed timber ceiling, was carefully restored, with the aging roof assembly being replaced to boost insulation and weather resistance. This process revealed the original nautical-like precision of the timber construction, which was then meticulously rebuilt to its former glory. Original Douglas fir panels were stripped and refinished, enhancing their inherent beauty and texture, while subtle additions like suspended wood veneer fins in the living area added an element of refined illumination.

The kitchen, a central hub, retained its massive stone slab island and intricate detailing, with technical upgrades for ventilation being cleverly concealed to maintain clear sightlines. In the primary suite, custom furniture was introduced to complement the vertical grain paneling, and the bathroom underwent a more significant transformation. A new Corian soaking tub was integrated into a hardwood deck, providing canyon views, while the cylindrical stone shower with its circular skylight continued to serve as a focal point, emphasizing light and texture. Beyond the interior, the landscape was extensively redesigned. A new deck was carved beneath the pool, revealing the cantilevered structure and creating an outdoor living space with built-in seating and a stone fire pit. A cactus garden at the entry and planted walkways along the hillside further reinforced the architectural narrative, strengthening the connection between the structure and its dramatic natural setting.