Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant by Aysel Mahmudlu

Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant by Aysel Mahmudlu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award yn Sulver in Ynterieurromte en Útstallingûntwerp Competition Category.

SulverYnterieur· 2026

Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant

by Aysel Mahmudlu

Client: Restaurant Project-Portobella

A' Design Award yn Sulver Winner in Ynterieur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant

Boektekst: Dit projekt hat in seldsume kombinaasje fan mei de hân makke stukadoarsplafonds dy't de hiele romte bedekke en in iepen keukenkonsept dat transparânsje en teater oan it iten bringt. Elk plafondornamint en elk kolomdetail waard troch ambachtslju byhouwen, wat it restaurant in museaal karakter jout. Tegearre mei kristallen kroanluchters, pastelkleurige muorren en op maat makke meubels ferbynt it ûntwerp klassike gruttens mei moderne gastfrijheid, en skept sa in ferfine, mar dochs útnûgjende sfear.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Sulver

Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver, in bûtengewoan prestisjeuze erkenning foar topûntwerpen dy't prachtich en yndrukwekkend binne. Sulverwinners binne tige briljante en ekstreem kreative wurken dy't de treflike ekspertize, it talint en de skerpsinnigens fan har ûntwerpers yllustrearje. Fan Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant wurdt ferwachte dat it in prachtich foarbyldwurk is, opmerklik profesjoneel en djip ynnovatyf. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver is in tige opfallende, bewûndere útfining dy't foardiel bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Portobella Symphony Primaire Funksje: Restaurant is in skepping dêr't breed oerjûn wurdt, dy't winsken wekker makket, positive gefoelens bringt en ferwûnderjen en fernuvering opwekket.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The project combines hand-crafted stucco ceilings extending across the entire space with an open kitchen concept that introduces transparency and a sense of performance. Each ceiling ornament and column detail was sculpted by artisans, highlighting cultural heritage. Crystal chandeliers, pastel-toned walls, and custom-made furniture establish a dialogue between classical references and contemporary hospitality, resulting in a refined environment with a welcoming character.
Dimensions & Packaging: The restaurant covers 800 sq. meters with a ceiling height of 7.5 meters. Floors feature wood-imitation ceramic tiles, complemented by hand-crafted stucco moldings and a custom staircase with brass accents. An open kitchen fosters transparency, while acoustic adjustments ensure comfort in the double-height space.
Tags: Luxury Restaurant Interior, Handcrafted Stucco Ceiling, Bespoke chandeliers, open kitchen dining, European elegance, cultural heritage design, contemporary luxury, architectural molding, fine dining experience, Baku design landmark,Azerbaijan restaurant
Production Technology: The project features hand-crafted stucco moldings for ceilings and columns, decorative plaster wall finishes, and ceramic tiles imitating wood for durability in a high-traffic space. Marble-effect porcelain defines key surfaces, while bespoke metalwork with brass accents shapes staircases and railings. Custom lighting fixtures highlight details and enhance atmosphere.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was to reinterpret traditional stucco and molding techniques within a contemporary restaurant setting, balancing artisanal craftsmanship with modern construction standards for durability, acoustics, and functionality. Another difficulty involved integrating an open kitchen into a refined dining hall while coordinating large-scale custom ceilings executed entirely by hand.
Research: The project draws on research into European palatial interiors and the tradition of handcrafted stucco. Historical molding techniques were reinterpreted with modern materials to ensure durability while retaining artisanal character. The design integrates cultural heritage with contemporary hospitality, creating a multisensory environment where tradition meets modernlifestyle.
Inspiration: The design draws inspiration from European palaces and the tradition of artisan craftsmanship. It revives hand-crafted stucco work within a contemporary restaurant setting, while incorporating an open kitchen to emphasize transparency and interaction between chef and guest. The project aims to create a cultural dining space where heritage and modern lifestyle converge.
Project Duration: The project was conceived in 2021 and completed in 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan, establishing a restaurant that blends European influences with the city’s dining culture.
Operation Flow: The open kitchen reveals the cooking process, reinforcing transparency and trust. The layout supports smooth circulation, while coordinated colors, textures, and lighting guide guests intuitively through the space. The design balances hospitality and efficiency to enhance interaction.
Team Members: Aysel Mahmudlu, Lead Designer and Creative Director, Azul Bureau
Image Credits: Photographer: Akbarov Eldar
Interior Design: Azul Bureau, Aysel Mahmudlu
Project Direction: Aysel Mahmudlu