"Instead of an impeccable setting, we chose to honor time in the material: the
stone displays natural scratches, brass darkens, and the
wood reveals knots. Each mark is
Giornata — the daily signature that proves that the project lives," explains architect João Rocha, partner of Helena Obino and Cesar Sallum at
Stage.AEC, who signs the project of
Forneria San Paolo at
CASACOR São Paulo 2025, in partnership with
Modular Studio, architects Alessandra Cipriani, Higor Cipriani, and Felipe Savassi. Those who visit the exhibit will be able to enjoy a moment of pause during the circuit in a relaxing space integrated with the nature of
Parque da Água Branca. Aligned with the theme of the exhibit in 2025,
"Sow Dreams", the Forneria project consists of a square installed under the canopies of the trees, with a refuge atmosphere so that visitors can enjoy a good prolonged conversation and feel the aroma of the oven mixed with the natural environment of the surroundings.
Modular Studio + Stage.AEC - Forneria San Paolo. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Disclosure/CASACOR)
The
structure created by Modular Studio proposes a model of contemporary urban occupation, which favors
connection with nature, the use of
sustainable materials, and
modular construction. It is lightweight and removable and resembles a greenhouse, with a sequence of glued laminated timber (GLT) portals that act as an envelope. This project proposes the challenge of building efficiently, industrially, and precisely, promoting a collective and sustainable future through innovation and collaboration among areas such as architecture, engineering, and design.
With 165 m², the restaurant is divided into a
square, with a main hall and tables under the suspended vegetation, a
bar, with a wine tasting space and the mansion of the Park as a scenic backdrop, and an
oven, where the dishes are prepared. In addition to the sequence of wooden portals, other elements stand out in the project, such as the translucent glass roof, installed between the beams, which allows for the contemplation of the trees. As a surprising element,
suspended plants descend to the height of the visitors' eyes, creating a green connection with the exterior.
Modular Studio + Stage.AEC - Forneria San Paolo. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Disclosure/CASACOR)
The internal environments also celebrate the
Italian heritage of the brand with a welcoming touch, warm tones, and rustic textures. The floor, for example, exhibits an irregular shape and a blend of light tones, referencing Italian sidewalks. There is also a patinated brass shelf, where open wine bottles, art books, and souvenirs from the Forneria are stored — a living material that ages throughout the exhibit. And finally, a gallery panel made of brushed oak boiseries, that supports
photographs and engravings curated by the Stage.AEC team, with niches illuminated by LED lamps. As for the
color palette, the professionals were guided by the triad of
terracotta, green, and patina. The warm tones applied to the high parts create a cozy atmosphere, softening the amplitude of the high ceiling. The green of the plants ensures a harmonious contrast, and the patinated metal reflects the diffused light, providing unity to the spaces. The result is a restaurant that appears to have been constructed over a long time, full of marks and stories. A fundamental aspect in the contemporary world,
sustainability guided the choice of
renewable materials, with
low environmental impact and
high durability, and the bet on the
efficiency of industrialized construction systems, which reduce waste, offer greater quality control, and decrease the construction time. The visual permeability with natural light also contributes to the reduction of energy use. The appreciation of durable, low-maintenance solutions is aligned with a more conscious urban model integrated with nature.
