Knead Bakery

From the earliest design intentions, Knead Bakery was envisioned as a lively place, able to evolve throughout the day without ever losing its identity. The concept draws inspiration from the warmth of French bakeries, the generosity of Italian culinary tradition, and the Mediterranean character inherent to the site’s architecture. Added to these references is the equestrian world—ever-present yet treated with subtlety through curves, rhythms, and certain saddle‑making–inspired details, such as the use of leather, interpreted in an elegant and contemporary way.

The interior architecture closely dialogues with the existing structure. Plaster‑coated arches were added to the ceiling to extend the exterior architectural language and to give the space depth and character. More than a simple aesthetic gesture, these arches structure the space, soften the volumes, and contribute to creating an enveloping atmosphere.

Spatial fluidity guided the layout. Two distinct entrances—one from the public parking area and the other from the terraces overlooking the equestrian arena—allow intuitive movement between different uses. The venue thus opens itself both to passing visitors and to regulars of the site.

The custom‑designed tables combine wood and marble in a delicate play of layered materials. The wooden tabletops incorporate a mineral insert in burgundy tones, visible along the edge. This hue echoes the marble surfaces found elsewhere in the project, particularly on a wall near the bakery entrance. The wooden bases of the tables rest on travertine legs, reinforcing overall coherence.

In circulation areas and secondary spaces, the floor features wood‑effect ceramic tiles laid in a herringbone pattern, adding rhythm to movement pathways while offering visual warmth, durability, and easy maintenance — in contrast with the more pronounced mineral surfaces of the dining room.

The windows are framed by travertine arches, worked with depth and stepped profiles. This layering of materials creates an architectural envelope rich in character, evoking both the equestrian performance and the theatrical staging of the venue.

The back wall of the dining room was designed as a scenographic element in its own right. Composed of custom‑made wooden cubes, it uses the same wood species as the one featured at the head of the banquette. Inside certain modules, frosted panels installed at an angle, combined with integrated lighting, create a soft, rice‑paper‑like glow. This system also makes it possible to conceal technical equipment while maintaining discreet access through integrated solid panels.

The open kitchen is conceived as a stage. Framed by columns clad in midnight‑blue marble, it reveals itself and highlights the pizza oven, visible from several points within the room.

Lighting punctuates the entire project. Pendant fixtures above the bakery counter, a linear light above the banquette, and sculptural floor lamps structure the space, echoing the obstacle course of the equestrian world. Integrated lighting within the furniture and arches guides the eye and showcases each volume, enhancing the venue’s spectacular and immersive quality.

Finally, the ceiling treatments clearly distinguish the venue’s two atmospheres. On the bakery side, the ceiling is more open to support foot traffic and to dialogue with the large existing openings. In contrast, the dining room ceiling adopts a lower scale, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere that invites relaxation in the evening.

Special attention was given to integrating mechanical, electrical, and ventilation systems, concealed within ceilings and architectural details to preserve the clarity of volumes and materials.

The terraces naturally extend the experience outdoors, in direct connection with the equestrian arena. They offer spaces conducive to pause and contemplation, while ensuring a gentle transition with the public areas. The intervention focused primarily on the furniture in order to respect the existing architecture and the grandeur of the site.