Outback

São Paulo, 2024 — In celebration of Outback's nearly three decades in Brazil, the Barra da Tijuca restaurant, also known as "Casinha," has just undergone a renovation, giving it a more casual and modern feel. The brand's first location in the country, opened in 1997, now features a new concept that pays homage to its traditions while incorporating innovative elements. To shape its vision of a restaurant that maintains its Australian-themed traditions while introducing elements that reaffirm its pioneering spirit, the architecture team immersed themselves deeply in the brand. "The project incorporates Australian and Rio de Janeiro elements, while maintaining its iconic intimate style. During the renovation, we preserved the original volume of the "Casinha," highlighting the green roof and introducing a CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) structure for the pillars and beams, reducing the carbon footprint and generating less waste," says Thiago Rodrigues, partner and architect at Superlimão. Additionally, water from the air conditioning condensation, the ice machine drain, and rainwater were reused for toilet flushing and garden watering. A UV hood features a filtration system that eliminates smoke, grease, and odors, as well as a long-lasting, low-consumption UV lamp that generates negative ions for environmental purification. On the facade, special Cebrace Cool Lite SK glass reduces heat and UV rays, helping to save air conditioning energy, while adjusting the light input with different transmission and performance levels. The unit is LEED certified, meaning it meets the sustainability requirements for buildings according to the Green Building Council Brazil, a national reference in sustainable construction, in accordance with guidelines established by GBC Brazil. The outdoor space has been expanded, now offering a more comfortable and relaxed waiting area for customers. At the entrance, a glass area in the door shaped like the Australian continent, surrounded by wood engravings, narrates elements of the Casinha's history. Superlimão's vision for the restaurant was to transform customers into explorers, immersed in an environment that goes beyond mere decor. Repositioned in the heart of the restaurant, the bar evokes a car parked in the Australian desert, with details such as the bodywork and headlights that light up during the traditional "Billabong Hour," as happy hour is known. With an "01" sign, each detail of the bar tells a part of the restaurant's history, integrating authentic and historical elements. The bar counter was designed to be accessible, with a lowered section to ensure comfort for all, reinforcing Outback's commitment to inclusion and customer experience. The booths were arranged according to the restaurant's original layout, which featured stools around the bar, dividing the room in two. Additionally, they feature special pins that recount memories of the first Outback in Brazil. The wooden pillars surrounded by lantern lights create a feeling similar to a treetop illuminated by fireflies. In the background, a wall inspired by the rocks of the Australian Outback stands out in the space, with a wood texture that mimics the rock formations and their characteristic contours. Perforated panels, used as dividers, feature patterns inspired by Australian Aboriginal art, while the light fixtures, with a design inspired by the Outback onion—based on the Australian Waratah flower—provide unique and cozy lighting. The new layout also features an additional upper floor, with an outdoor area overlooking the Rio sunset and a strategic opening above the bar, creating a connection between the spaces. An exposed structure with part of the original roof, integrating the past with the future, highlights a significant change from the previous design with its lower, darker ceiling. The interior flooring uses tones that evoke the diverse landscapes of the Australian Outback. The exterior area features sand tones that connect with the beach scenery of Rio de Janeiro, creating a harmonious fusion between the two worlds. The kids' area, accessible internally, features a rubber floor reminiscent of the desert, a climbing wall, and a decorative element in the shape of a crocodile "emerging from the sand." The boomerang-shaped outdoor benches add originality and theme to the space. Seven meters wide, the boomerang sculptures were made from discarded tabletops from the old restaurant. "We've evolved from a 'casual restaurant with an Australian theme' to 'Explore the new world of Outback.' Over the years, the brand has created its own identity, and it's this world we want our customers to discover. The combination of new technologies, new ways of serving, and an inspiring environment positions Outback as a brand ready for the future, offering its customers a renewed and more exciting experience than ever before," emphasizes Arnaldo Bastos, Creative Director and Partner at FutureBrand São Paulo. "We selected Superlimão and FutureBrand as our partners for this iconic moment for Outback because we knew the project would deliver excellence. Together, we understood the best directions, and this reopening represents not only a historic milestone but also a new chapter in the brand's history. Outback has been in Brazil for 27 years, and now is the time to take the next step in our innovative and enchanting DNA, where we will continue to provide our customers with a break from their routine, enchantment, and escapism, in an even more modern way," comments Gilberto Santos, Vice President of Development for Outback in Brazil.