Inhouse Brand Architects has created an artisanal interior for a brand new Italian pizzeria outlet in South Africa.
Part of the Doppio Zero Group, founded by entrepreneurial duo Paul Christie and Miki Milovanovic, Piza e Vino prides itself on the handmade craft of its traditional pizzas. It was key, then, that Inhouse Brand Architects should reflect this philosophy within the interior of the brand’s new outlet in Lynnridge Mall, Pretoria.
Working closely with the architects and construction teams, Inhouse Brand Architects has created an authentic, warm and inviting space from the ground up.
The design team took inspiration from a variety of vintage influences for the interior, in particular chanelling the aesthetic of old-school pizzerias. The surfacing, for example, is a blend of patterned and subway tiles, polished concrete flooring and reclaimed timber cladding.
Light marble counter tops, oak dining tables, leather upholstered booths and leather seating continue the theme.
Emphasising Piza e Vino’s ethos of “pizzas created by hand by real people for real people”, Inhouse Brand Architects opted to place a completely open kitchen in the heart of the restaurant.
A grand, custom-designed pizza oven creates a focal point here, its hexagonal form – tiled in geometrics – quietly dominating any view of the restaurant. The oven is fronted by a pizza bar where diners can take in a master class of the chefs at work, or where children can create their own pizzas.
Just beyond the kitchen is a custom-built steel screen which encompasses the central booth seating. This striking room divider is decorated with over 100 wooden rolling pins, referencing the craft of hand rolled pizza dough.
Beautiful glass blown pendants with brass fittings and vintage wall sconces with amber tinted glass provide the perfect finishing touch.
