TAVOLA, KAMPALA
THE BRIEF
The brief for Tavola Restaurant was to create a luxurious, semi-outdoor city restaurant in a bustling urban setting, designed to seat over 100 guests while maintaining an airy, sophisticated ambiance. Our firm was tasked with architecture, interior design, and project execution, delivering a space that exudes high-end charm without requiring extensive structural build-up. The client envisioned a lightweight, contemporary design that blends indoor and outdoor elements, prioritizing flexibility, elegance, and a strong connection to greenery to soften the urban environment.
THE INSPIRATION
Inspired by the industrial elegance of urban lofts and the lush vitality of city oases, Tavola’s design marries raw, minimalist materials with refined luxury. The use of I-beams and roofing sheets reflects a modern, utilitarian aesthetic, while the incorporation of abundant greenery evokes a sense of escape within the city. The concept of “open elegance” guided the design, with metal dividers and paver flooring creating a versatile, tactile foundation. The color palette—muted grays, deep greens, and accents of brushed brass—complements the surrounding plants, fostering a serene yet upscale atmosphere. The semi-outdoor structure maximizes natural light and airflow, enhancing the dining experience with a sense of freedom and connection to the environment.
THE RESULT
Tavola Restaurant emerges as a captivating, semi-outdoor urban retreat that redefines luxurious city dining. The lightweight structure, composed of sleek I-beams and roofing sheets, creates an open, airy enclosure that balances shelter with exposure to the elements. Paver flooring adds a grounded, textured quality, while metal dividers delineate intimate zones within the expansive space, comfortably accommodating over 100 guests. Lush greenery envelops the restaurant, with cascading plants and potted trees softening the industrial edges and infusing the space with life. Strategic openings in the structure allow natural light and breezes to flow freely, enhancing comfort and ambiance. The interiors, accented with brushed brass details and contemporary furnishings, exude understated elegance, while locally crafted elements add a touch of authenticity. Tavola’s design achieves a seamless blend of urban sophistication and natural serenity, offering a versatile, high-end dining experience that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly suited to its city context.