Osteria Savio Volpe by Ste Marie Design

Brace yourselves Yellowtracers, today we’re bringing you one hell of a treat. Please meet Osteria Savio Volpe, one of the most handsome and impeccably groomed restaurants we have come across, designed by Craig Stanghetta of Ste. Marie. Simply put, this project absolutely smashes it out of the ballpark. It’s truly unique without trying too hard, Italian to the bone but not themed or literal in any way, and simple yet oh-so-refined, down to every last detail including the design sketches we were lucky enough to get our hands on.

Influenced by traditional Italian ‘Osterias’ (rustic farmhouses), the 75-seat restaurant in East Vancouver effortlessly fuses simplicity and drama with a warm liveliness. The name Savio Volpe, translating to ‘Wild Fox’, comes from a fictional patriarchal character imagined by Stanghetta – an old Damerino who takes care of his family, friends and strangers alike at his local tavern, spoiling them with pasta, spit roasts and an endless supply of wine. Curious, resourceful and loving, Savio is passionate about his vegetable garden as well as art, design and culture. It might sounds nuts, but you truly get a sense of this fictional man as you absorb all the design elements and details of this project – narrative design at its very best. Adding another layer of finesse is the way the project has been photographed – its warmth is cinematic in nature, like gazing at a film set crafted by the 1950s Italian version of Wes Anderson. Bravos all round!

The entire space is a subtle nod to simpler times, celebrating a sense of community with relaxed bench seating, a courtesy phone, and a central eating bar that serves as the nerve centre of the restaurant. Adding to Savio Volpe’s casual ease is the homely bespoke shelving that showcases a beautiful collection of Italian goods, as well as the open kitchen complete with wood-fired grill and rotisserie. A labour of love between three co-partners – Paul Grunberg, Chef Mark Perrier and Ste. Marie’s Craig Stanghetta – the design shows an ongoing interplay between assertive and simple, humble and pretty, elemental and modernist. The partners were strongly influenced by the Italian greats throughout the design process, including Carlo Mollino, Bruno Munari, and Enzo Mari.

Most of the design fittings, fixtures and furnishings are bespoke, including custom shelving, lighting and seating that were crafted in collaboration with local skilled trades and makers. The seating and storage were inspired by the work of Enzo Mari, famed for his modernist aesthetic and ‘do-it-yourself’ approach. Reflecting on this, Stanghetta says, “We began from the standpoint that these pieces should retain the feel of something that could be knocked together in the garage”. In collaboration with Lock & Mortice Build Co, Ste. Marie used honest materials and simple techniques to create custom timber furniture and dowel shelving that represents the perfect balance between refined elegance and rustic simplicity. Stanghetta also worked closely with Fabrikaat, a local metal fabrication company, to mill the custom lighting and kitchen display unit. Designed to evoke a church-like feeling, the complex lighting system is playfully modern, and riffs on the classic Stilnovo chandelier, a design Stanghetta admires greatly for its ability to balance elegance and drama.

The process for sourcing artwork was also a collaborative one, and evidence of the truly remarkable attention to detail throughout the entirety of this project. Several prints are from Edoardo De Falchi, an Italian artist who Stanghetta negotiated with to purchase digital versions of his work, so he could execute an unusual treatment in the printing process for added texture in the design. All the other artwork in the restaurant was either created by Stanghetta using collage techniques inspired by Bruno Munari, or found in thrift and antique shops over a number of years.

In terms of materials, Stanghetta has finely balanced the earthy quality of an Italian farmhouse with a strong and confined modernist aesthetic in their material choices. Brown and red-toned quarry tiling work beautifully with the rhythmic pleated oak wall paneling and modern grey-coloured marble. In contrast, the upholstery shows a quality of bravado and audacity, “Like the way a kerchief, a patterned tie or a pair of playful socks stands apart from an understated suit” says Stanghetta. This aesthetic is seen even in the design development sketches and mood boards, which are presented on textured paper with a modest hand-worked touch.

Savio Volpe’s branding follows suite, designed by Glasfurd & Walker not only is an extension of the design, but helps enhance its playful side. Even those material palettes are shit hot, quite seriously, every detail of this entire project has us in awe. Extreme love!