Masquespacio reinterprets the Italian dining experience in Riad’s 8 Portions restaurant

The multi-award winning Masquespacio studio has turned the new 8 Portions restaurant in Riyadh into an urban oasis, where aesthetics and culinary experience merge, to enjoy the Italian gastronomic tradition integrated with the local flavours of Saudi Arabia.

The conceptual design, to which we are accustomed Ana Milena Hernández and Christophe Penasse have become accustomed, has materialised in a style that reflects the essence of Saudi Arabia, avoiding literal representations and the usual clichés of Italian restaurants.

The inspiration for the design comes from the beauty of the desert to materialise in characteristic shapes and textures that transform the architectural elements: pillars, stairs and ceilings, into true sculptures that shape it.

The dunes and rocks of the desert are present in the space through a palette of neutral and earthy colours. But it is the warm and sophisticated light, achieved with carefully designed lighting, that is the true protagonist of the design, recreating the magic of the golden hour, with metallic and golden finishes in the different elements, offering as a result an enveloping and sophisticated atmosphere.

Every element of the design, whether curved pillars or sculptural luminaires, plays a role in creating an original sensory experience, the interior designers’ main objective. The organic and fluid shapes contrast with each other, transforming the structural elements and generating a visual dynamic that invites exploration.

Masquespacio, once again makes a masterful display of interior design, achieving a space that goes beyond the gastronomic function. The 8 Portions restaurant allows diners to enjoy a sensory experience in an atmosphere of tranquillity and sophistication, making it a true oasis of wellbeing.

Project: Restaurante 8 Portions.
Interior Design: Masquespacio.
Location: Riad, Arabia Saudita.
Finished: 2024.
Surface: 300 m².
Photography: Masquespacio.

Masquespacio

In 2010 Ana Milena Hernández Palacios and Christophe Penasse founded the design studio Masquespacio with the aim of doing something different… something that would make them feel proud and that would transmit their purpose of seeking innovation in every project.

They have been lucky enough to work in various countries around the world, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, USA, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Cambodia, Australia and Austria, discovering new cultures and making new friends.

Thanks to their innovative approach in search of unique and out-of-the-ordinary experiences for each design, they have been honoured with numerous relevant international awards. In 2020 they were named Young Talent of The Year by Elle Decoration International magazine, while in 2019 they were awarded Interior Designers of The Year by the Spanish edition of The New York Times T magazine. They were also previously awarded the Massimo Dutti New Values award by Architectural Digest Spain and the Wave of the Future award by Hospitality Design USA, along with continued international recognition by media specialising in design, fashion and lifestyle trends.

Source: Masquespacio.

Project by Masquespacio