Italian Design Meets Culinary Art at Florence’s Collegio alla Querce

Within Florence’s historic Collegio alla Querce, Officine Gullo and Arch Florence have created a one-of-a-kind open-plan kitchen where design, heritage, and culinary artistry come together in an authentic Tuscan experience.

WORDS Neyani Mphephu PHOTOS Supplied 

Surrounded by breathtaking views over Florence and the Tuscan hills, this one-of-a-kind open-plan kitchen inside Collegio alla Querce sets the stage for immersive gourmet experiences – a place where design, heritage, and culinary excellence converge.

At the heart of the hotel’s La Gamella restaurant lies the striking kitchen, designed by Officine Gullo and Arch Florence. With its central island and burnished copper hood, the space becomes a stage for live cooking during Chef’s Table experiences and interactive masterclasses. The workspace incorporates a welded stainless-steel sink, a precision induction hob, and a worktop framed in burnished brass with an integrated front bar designed for guest interaction. Below the worktop, the cabinetry houses strategically placed refrigeration units, specialised drawers and compartments that maintain the kitchen’s clean aesthetic while providing essential functionality.

“We wanted a kitchen that wasn’t just functional, but part of the experience, something that reflects the soul of Italian hospitality,” says resident chef Nicola Zamperetti.

The kitchen’s sophisticated ‘Artichoke’ blue-green finish creates visual harmony throughout the space, while the careful selection of metals, including brass, copper, and stainless steel, reflects Officine Gullo’s commitment to traditional Florentine craftsmanship, establishing a new standard for luxury hospitality kitchen design. officinegullo.com | archflorence.com

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