Cuccini Gelato

As the first of five planned locations across Western Australia, the project sets a clear direction for the emerging brand. “It was about establishing a distinct architectural identity while accommodating the functional demands of a working gelateria,” says Jean-Paul Ghougassian, director of Ritz & Ghougassian.

The planning reflects this dual intent. Organised around a central service counter, the layout of the store brings the act of making into focus while maintaining an efficient workflow. Customers engage directly with the process as staff move seamlessly between preparation, storage and service. A glazed frontage extends the interior toward the street, strengthening its presence within the surrounding context and positioning the store as both a point of exchange and display.

This clear organisation is paired with a distinct atmosphere. Rather than relying on literal references, the design abstracts the physical qualities of gelato into form and material, creating a sense of visual weight that is felt rather than expressed. Surfaces appear softened, edges subtly rounded and volumes read as sculptural rather than purely functional. “We wanted it to feel rich and tactile without being overly literal,” Ghougassian says.

Materiality is the primary vehicle for expression. A restrained palette of concrete, stone, metal and leather builds contrast and depth without reliance on applied colour or branding. “Concrete gives the space its sense of mass, while stainless steel introduces a reflective counterpoint.” Plaster walls and stone flooring soften the composition, while leather seating introduces warmth and familiarity, balancing the more robust elements.