The design process for Austa began with a thorough context analysis to understand the qualities of local craftsmanship, natural resources, and traditions. The area around Loulé is rich in natural beauty and known for its multi-tone cliffs, and vibrant artisan culture. By immersing themselves in the region through numerous field trips and conversations with local craftsmen, Studio Gameiro objective was to create a space that is both innovative and deeply connected to its roots.

A key inspiration for the restaurant's design originated from the region’s traditional terracotta tile production. However, rather than using clay, the designers made a bold decision to incorporate rock salt, inspired by what they described as “one of the most extraordinary experiences” during their visit to Loulé's ancient salt mines. The 230-million-year-old rock salt became a defining material in the project, transformed into building blocks that reflect the typical dimensions of the region’s terracotta tiles. These blocks were then arranged in a manner reminiscent of the traditional stacking of terracotta tiles in local kilns, used to craft a series of bespoke furniture pieces, from banquettes to stools and display stands.

The deep impression that the salt mines left on the designers can also be found in the design of the central bar counter. Made from moleanos stone, a local limestone chosen for its natural beauty and durability, the bar’s undulating design was inspired by the patterns of the caverns formed during salt extraction. The flowing shape also reflects the Algarve’s coastal sand dunes, while the stone’s sedimentary texture, embedded with seashell fossils, further ties the design to its maritime surroundings, creating a tactile connection to both the land and sea.

The soft, natural tones of the moleanos stone are complemented by earthy hues on the walls and ceilings, treated with lime stucco as a nod to the Algarve’s pottery traditions. This material choice not only enhances the visual warmth of the space but also serves a practical purpose, as lime’s natural air-purifying properties contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Custom-designed furniture pieces in Austa further amplify the connection to local craftsmanship. Tables and stools, crafted by local artisans using stone and wood, pay homage to the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast and the skilled hands that shape the region's materials. The addition of Studio Gameiro's own Alumina Chairs, made from brushed aluminum, introduces a modern counterpoint to the otherwise natural material palette, emphasizing a balance between tradition and contemporary design.

During their exploration of local crafts, Studio Gameiro discovered the region’s historic connection to copper, a material that has been used in the Algarve since Roman times. Inspired by the art of crafting copper cataplana pans, the studio designed a series of nine copper light pendants that hover above the long dining tables. These pendants, with their shell-like forms, create a warm, moody ambiance that adds to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere while paying homage to the area’s metallurgical heritage.

Each and every detail in Austa has been carefully considered to create a cohesive narrative that flows from one space to the next. For example, the hallway floor leading to the bathrooms is an artful composition of beige moleanos and dark indigo ruivina stones, arranged in a geometric pattern to resemble piano keys, a motif that reappears in the bespoke bathroom sinks and the outdoor terrace, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Studio Gameiro’s meticulous attention to detail is what ultimately makes AUSTA much more than just a place to dine. It invites guests to slow down and appreciate every element around them, whether that’s in the texture of the walls, the craftsmanship of the furniture, or the subtle play of light created by the copper pendants.