xxxi.studio divides lisbon restaurant with 15 meter long charred wood counter

XXXI.studio shapes front-cooking restaurant in lisbon

BAZ is a front-cooking restaurant in Lisbon by XXXI.studio that stages culinary service as a live performance. Rooted in the studio’s philosophy of transparency, the spatial concept intentionally dissolves the boundary between chef and guest along a 15 meter long charred wood counter, transforming the dining room into an immersive environment. The architectural narrative begins at the entrance with a sharply incised facade. A minimalist stainless steel box marks the threshold and establishes a controlled transition from street to interior. Stainless steel surfaces meet raw wood elements in a restrained material palette, emphasizing texture, tactility, and contrast. Clean lines, exposed finishes, and the absence of decorative layers reinforce the project’s commitment to honesty in construction, allowing the identity of each material to stand on its own while setting the tone for the radically open kitchen beyond.

all images courtesy of XXXI.studio

15 meter long counter acts as interior centerpiece

Inside, XXXI.studio’s spatial concept centers on a dramatically open kitchen. Moving beyond the trend of partially visible preparation areas, the studio decides to reveal every aspect of service through a single defining element: a 15 meter long counter. Sculptural and organic in form, it stretches across the full length of the space, creating an unexpected equal division between service and dining. On one side, the bar and kitchen. On the other, the guests. The configuration ensures that both realms remain fully visible to one another. As Carlos Aragão, co founder of XXXI.studio, explains, ‘These two realities of service and guest live together at the same time, fully visible to each other.’

The counter draws inspiration from the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. Its creation involved a meticulous process of sculpting, charring, brushing, washing, and varnishing wood. The resulting surface carries an organic texture marked by irregularities and traces of the handmade. Described as ‘full of accidents,’ the element becomes the soul of the space. Set against a calm and refined backdrop, the massive central object anchors the interior while allowing the restaurant’s dynamic moments to unfold around it.

the architectural narrative begins at the entrance with a sharply incised facade

15 meter long counter acts as interior centerpiece

BAZ reflects XXXI.studio’s integrated approach, with the team overseeing both design and construction. By collaborating directly with carpenters and manufacturers on site to resolve technical challenges, the studio ensured that the final outcome preserves the clarity of its concept while celebrating craftsmanship. By stripping away the superficial and embracing the raw process, BAZ demonstrates that when materials are allowed to speak for themselves, the atmosphere is not only seen but deeply felt.

a minimalist stainless steel box marks the threshold between interior and exterior

project info:

name: BAZ
architects: XXXI.studio

location: Lisbon, Portugal

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edited by: claire brodka | designboom