El Campero: A Culinary Journey Through Design

Velvet Projects Transforms a Restaurant into a Tuna-Inspired Masterpiece

In the quaint village of Barbate, Cádiz, a restaurant named El Campero, renowned for its almadraba red tuna, has undergone a transformation. Velvet Projects, a design team led by Jose Ramon Losada Prieto, has reimagined the space, creating a design that pays homage to the restaurant's star ingredient, the tuna, and the surrounding sea.

The design inspiration for El Campero was drawn from the tuna itself, the most representative product of the village. Velvet Projects decided to give it the principal role, opting for a large collage on the wall. The wooden ceiling mimics the way fish flakes are arranged, contributing to the overall sense of movement and serving a dual function of aesthetics and acoustics.

El Campero's unique properties lie in its successful unification of spaces both structurally and aesthetically. The design team increased natural light by expanding the window openings in facades. Straight lines of neutral tones predominantly in white contrast beautifully with the warmth provided by the wood.

The restaurant was realized using a variety of materials including oak wood, pine wood, silestone, ceramic tile, hydraulic tile, and high-resolution printing. The space covers a surface of 270 m2 with a height of 290cm, providing a spacious and inviting environment for patrons to enjoy.

The design team faced the challenge of creating a space that was as recognizable for its design as it was for its cuisine. The result is a timeless, modern, spacious, and friendly environment. The design aims to make a visit to the restaurant feel like a journey, with the tuna, the sea, its light, and its reflections reproduced in the interior.

El Campero's transformation was not only recognized locally but also internationally. The design was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Velvet Projects has successfully transformed El Campero into a design masterpiece that reflects the essence of its location and cuisine. The design not only enhances the dining experience but also leaves a lasting impression on its visitors, making it a must-visit destination for food and design enthusiasts alike.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jose Ramon Losada
Image Credits: Francis Rosso
Project Team Members: Jose Ramon Losada Prieto
Project Name: El Campero
Project Client: Jose Ramon Losada


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