It is one of the most rewarding tasks as an architect when you are allowed to design not only the interior of a building, but the building itself!

FOGO E ÁGUA was built in Bad Orb, near Frankfurt, a place where salt was traditionally extracted from a brine in the last century. The white geometric shape of the building is inspired by the salt crystals.

The name is a nod to the pioneering spirit of portugal and says it all. Here, the specially designed black steel kitchen is only used for cooking and grilling with fire.

The restaurant is entered through a door over three metres high, clad in japanese 'burnt wood'. The ceiling of the seven-metre-high room is completely clad in oak. Special solutions and rails were developed for the fixtures, lighting and air conditioning.

In front of the six metre high wall of tropical plants by 'Patrick Blanc' is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace with a free-hanging black steel chimney. The two tonne plinth was carved in one piece from local sandstone.

Behind the tiled and solid wood bar is a floor-to-ceiling exposed concrete wall, the surface of which is designed as an asymmetrical relief. The production of this wall alone is a technical masterpiece. The two five-metre-high solid copper tanks on the wall communicate that, in addition to exquisite new world wines, an exceptionally good beer is also served here.

All the furniture, fittings and finishes have been designed and built exclusively for FOGO E ÁGUA.

The plates and crockery are custom-made by a renowned Portuguese design studio, and the clothing worn by the team at Atelier Strauss is inspired by the region's first salt miners.

FOGO E ÁGUA is a harmonious experience in every respect.