Hearth & Hide

Hearth & Hide is shaped around a central live fire hearth that anchors the entire dining room and sets the spatial hierarchy of the restaurant. The restaurant was designed based on the cooking style and philosophies of Michelin star chef, Neil Rankin. A curved chef’s counter wraps the hearth, bringing guests into close contact with the cooking process, while surrounding dining zones offer varying degrees of openness and intimacy, all oriented toward the fire. Stone and wood form the primary material pallete, grounding the space and introducing tactile warmth. Wood surfaces, beams, and joinery highlight craftsmanship, while stone floors and wall accents create a sense of permanence and connection to place. Around the earth, dark metal surfaces respond to heat and use, becoming a suble focal point over time. Lighting is warm and controlled, while integrated acoustic treatments maintain comfort throughout. Circulation flows naturally around the hearth and between zones, creating an accessible, intuitive layout. The concept roots the dining experience in fire, material honesty, and visible craft, allowing the spatial design and material choices to narrate the story of cooking and transformation.