Set beside the island’s historically cultivated landscapes, this project comprises a restaurant, bar, and market/coffee shop organised around a central plaza and shaded outdoor dining beneath rich wood pergolas. Black Box Design led interior design and spatial planning and collaborated on the architectural envelope during concept and schematic phases. The concept channels sugar‑cane geometry, tropical planting, and barn-like volumes to create a warm, grounded destination that reads both historic and contemporary.

Nestled within the lush surroundings of Dorado Beach Golf Course in Puerto Rico, Panela Restaurant & Bar draws inspiration from its namesake, showcasing an unrefined yet sophisticated charm. The design presents a contemporary interpretation of its Spanish colonial architectural envelope, seamlessly merging interior and exterior spaces to offer breathtaking views of the manicured golf courses and surrounding amenities.

Design Concept

Panela embodies a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor experiences, blurring the lines with expansive openings and lush greenery. The space invites patrons to unwind in a setting where contemporary aesthetics meet historical influences.

This exclusive private dining space draws inspiration from Puerto Rico’s rich tradition of sugar cane cultivation and rum production. The design features light, airy materials such as bleached woods and limestone flooring, evoking the warm, sun-kissed landscapes of the island. A prominent custom-made wallcovering made from sugar cane flowers serves as a tactile focal point, symbolising the island’s historic sugar plantations and the artisanal craft of rum making.

The large glazed opening offers sweeping views of lush tropical gardens, inviting natural light to fill the space with a vibrant, yet tranquil atmosphere. Lightly draped curtains soften the transition between indoor and outdoor environments, echoing the gentle breezes that rustle through the sugar cane fields.

The overall ambience reflects Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, history, and its world-renowned rum heritage, creating a memorable dining experience that celebrates the island’s natural beauty.

La Pergola Market & Café emerges as the relaxed and inviting sibling to the renowned La Pergola restaurant—designed to provide a more casual, approachable extension of the brand's celebrated culinary ethos. Envisioned as both a destination and a convenient stop for those on the go, the café blends thoughtful design with the everyday rhythm of modern dining.

The space is anchored by a material palette that reflects both warmth and refinement. Tropical woods lend a sense of natural richness and tactility, grounding the café in an organic, human-centered sensibility. This is contrasted with limestone flooring, offering a cool, durable surface that introduces a Mediterranean lightness to the space—balancing luxury with practicality.

Blackened mild steel elements—seen in shelving, framing, and bespoke hardware—add a sense of understated industrial edge, a subtle nod to the area's previous life as a plantation. These darker accents also create a striking contrast against the café’s softer textures and tones, highlighting functional elements without overpowering the aesthetic.

Color and texture are used with intentional restraint: lush green upholstery brings in a sense of calm and freshness, evoking the tropical surroundings of the La Pergola brand. Coral tiles punctuate the space with moments of warmth and vibrancy, hinting at the Mediterranean without resorting to cliché. These accents energize the environment while remaining cohesive with the natural materials throughout.

The layout prioritises fluidity and flexibility. From curated grab-and-go stations to intimate seating zones, the design accommodates a range of experiences—whether it's a quick espresso, a prepared meal on the move, or a moment of pause in a day’s busy rhythm. Lighting is layered and atmospheric, shifting in tone throughout the day to mirror the café’s transition from a bright morning café to a mellow afternoon retreat.

Nestled within the lush surroundings of Dorado Beach Golf Course in Puerto Rico, Panela Restaurant & Bar draws inspiration from its namesake, showcasing an unrefined yet sophisticated charm. The design presents a contemporary interpretation of its Spanish colonial architectural envelope, seamlessly merging interior and exterior spaces to offer breathtaking views of the manicured golf courses and surrounding amenities.

Design Concept

Panela embodies a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor experiences, blurring the lines with expansive openings and lush greenery. The space invites patrons to unwind in a setting where contemporary aesthetics meet historical influences.

Culinary Connection

A unique pantry-style aesthetic merges luxury with functionality, repositioning operational units as central features. This approach revitalizes the dining space with an energy typically reserved for open kitchens while maintaining a sense of culinary craftsmanship.

Local Flavors & Ornamental Displays

Preserves crafted from produce grown within sight of the restaurant become ornamental centerpieces, celebrating local agriculture and sustainability. These displays not only enhance the visual appeal but also deepen the guests’ connection to the environment and culinary narrative.

Project Overview

This aparthotel concept for a leading international hotel group in the USA embodies a warm, home-like ambiance infused with authenticity and quality. Drawing inspiration from the progressive designs of mid-century architect Henry Klumb and the ethos of tropical modernism, the space is crafted using locally sourced, high-quality materials punctuated with tailored details that echo its setting.

Design Concept

The interiors reflect Klumb’s innovative spirit, blending simplicity with elegance, and inviting nature indoors. By embracing the principles of tropical modernism, the design celebrates openness, light, and natural integration, fostering a serene and inviting environment for guests.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Every element, from meticulously selected furnishings to custom finishes, was thoughtfully chosen to create a narrative all its own. The use of native woods, locally quarried stone, and artisanal textiles ensures the space feels both distinctive and rooted in the local context.

Sense of Place

The design employs subtle storytelling techniques to seamlessly incorporate the neighbourhood’s culture and heritage, enhancing guests' connection to the locale. Every detail, whether through artwork, texture, or spatial arrangement, is a deliberate nod to local traditions and contemporary tastes.

La Pergola - Puerto Rico - Inspired by the sugar cane fields, tropical surroundings, and modern barn vernacular that nods towards the old coffee plantations. This stunning project comprises a restaurant, bar area & Market/coffee shop, with relaxing outdoor dining areas beneath rich wood pergolas overlooking the central plaza area.

As we love conceptualising so much we were asked by a friend to create a concept for Sunderland of Sunderland.
See Pink Slice Bakery! Taking a much loved Sunderland delicacy and creating an elevated experience around it.

The Brazilian Coffee House concept combines our client's deep appreciation of modern Brazilian Interiors and their love of coffee & music.

Conceptualising this bar for a luxury apart hotel concept inspired by the rich history of Newcastle upon Tyne has been fun and inventive, much like the works of Joseph Swan. At Black Box Design we approach each project differently to ensure the client has something new & unique to them and a space that resonates with the end user.