ste. marie juxtaposes modernist + traditional italian elements in vancouver’s osteria
(above) the design references three icons of italian design: carlo mollino, bruno munari, and enzo mari
all images courtesy of ste. marie

 

 

 

ste. marie is an internationally engaged, local-based studio dedicated to realizing fine and honest design projects. they are interested in the intersection of identity, strategy and the human codes that underpin any successful commercial space. for a restaurant in vancouver, canada, they decided to reference three icons of italian design: carlo mollino, bruno munari, and enzo mari, because the food served at the restaurant is from the same country. the result is a balance of simplicity, drama, and irreverence.

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
the wine holder showcases a wide italian collection

 

 

 

all of the finishes are rooted in an earthy quality, much like most roadside osteria’s or countryside trattoria’s throughout italy. in that same vein, the food, products, herbs, and preserves are as focal as the paintings on the walls. a mix of fabric lampshade sconces and opaline glass juxtapose modernist and traditional lighting. another instance of this blend is how the pleated oak walls form a modest rhythmic backdrop from which the sartorial quality of mixed banquet seating stand apart.

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
the result is a balance of simplicity, drama, and irreverence

 

 

 

a central eating bar becomes the nerve center of the room and helps to create a strong community nucleus in the restaurant. the bespoke shelving surrounding the open kitchen frames the wood-fire grill and rotisserie, while showcasing the restaurant pride in their collection of groceries, house-made preserves, and the unique all italian wine collection. the overall impression is focused and ordered, but mostly warm, fun, and welcoming.

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom

a central eating bar becomes the nerve center of the room

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
all of the finishes are rooted in an earthy quality, much like italian roadside osteria’s or countryside trattoria’s

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
exterior

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
shelf detail

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
savio the fox

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
ravioli

ste marie savio volpe osteria vancouver designboom
exterior detail

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: juliana neira | designboom