Inspirations & Key Concepts
Gosti 540’s restaurant design was inspired by the atmosphere of refined alpine hospitality, translated through a contemporary and loft lens. The design merges rugged natural textures with minimalist geometry, aiming to evoke a warm yet elevated experience. SOIA Design approached the project as a balance between modern comfort and subtle regional storytelling. The use of tactile materials, rich lighting contrasts, and graphic silhouettes helps ground the restaurant in a strong visual identity that is at once intimate and memorable.
Initial Difficulties & Setbacks
The main challenge lay in adapting a narrow floor plan with limited daylight into a cohesive and comfortable dining space. We had to work around fixed building constraints and integrate HVAC and lighting infrastructure seamlessly. The early iterations also revealed difficulties in zoning the space without visual clutter or disrupting the central flow, which required multiple rounds of layout refinement and furniture prototyping.
Construction Techniques & Materials
Material selection played a central role in establishing the identity of Gosti 540. The primary surfaces include wood decking panels used for ceilings, chosen for their durability and warmth. Stone textures appear in the entrance hall, adding weight and grounding. Copper, matte black metal, leather, and smoked glass introduce sophistication and contrast throughout the space. One standout element on the outdoor terrace is the use of rusted Corten steel panels that were CNC-milled with custom animal silhouettes - an homage to the surrounding mountain fauna. These perforated panels offer a sculptural sense of enclosure, enhancing the guest experience on the terrace with poetic shadow play.
Spatial Configuration & Rationale
The spatial organization was guided by the need to maximize seating while preserving flow and a sense of privacy. The entry sequence leads to a centralized dining hall subtly divided into zones through lighting gradients, ceiling height shifts, and seating groupings. Sightlines were carefully managed so that no zone feels isolated or exposed. A central sculptural lighting installation becomes an ambient anchor, complemented by varied wall textures and curated decor niches.
Back-of-house circulation was carved out to ensure staff efficiency while keeping guest zones undisturbed. Acoustics and lighting were optimized through layered ceiling elements and directional fixtures, creating a calm, cocooned atmosphere.
How It Was Realized
The design process moved from early conceptual sketching and 3D modeling to high-detail documentation with full author supervision during construction. Custom elements like the milled metal panels and lighting features were developed in close collaboration with local artisans. Materials were sourced with attention to authenticity, performance, and how they age over time - especially in an alpine climate. On-site coordination ensured tight tolerances in finish alignment, lighting placement, and integrated furniture.
Gosti 540 ultimately represents a thoughtful orchestration of materials, layout, and narrative elements - transforming a tight interior into a layered, cinematic dining experience.