In the heart of Peralada, set among gardens designed to follow the rhythm of the Festival and its cultural imagery, Shiro Restaurant appears as an intervention that suggests rather than imposes. A meeting point between greenery, Paco Pérez’s cuisine and an atmosphere that shifts between the scenographic and the intimate. We speak with Sandra Tarruella about process, light and spatial narrative.

M: When you arrive at a space for the first time, what do you look at first?
S: Proportions and light.

 

M: How does your process change when designing for a hotel, a restaurant or a private residence?
S: We mainly work on hotels and restaurants, so the approach is quite similar. A hotel always integrates one or more dining spaces, which means projects are connected from the outset.

 

M: Do you work from an overall concept, or do you prefer to treat each space independently?
S: We work from a general aesthetic to ensure coherence across the project, while addressing each space according to its specific needs.

 

M: From the Roca brothers to Paco Pérez or Nando Jubany, you have worked with some of the most prestigious chefs. How does this influence the final result?
S: They are very demanding when it comes to the kitchen and timing, but they usually trust us with layout and aesthetics.

 

M: Shiro is located in a place like Peralada. How do you integrate a space with oriental inspiration without losing authenticity?
S: The project is divided into two spaces: Paco Pérez’s Asian-inspired restaurant and an event hall. Both are set within a garden we designed together with Mónica Martí, with pergolas that create a more intimate and natural scale through vegetation.

M: What kind of experience do you want to create for someone entering Shiro?
S: To transport them to a dreamlike Asian-inspired landscape, connected to both haute cuisine and to the operas of the Festival.

 

M: If you had to choose a favourite place within the project…
S: Under one of the garden pergolas.

 

M: How long have you been working with Marset? What makes the brand different?
S: For a very long time. It has distinctive designs that remain relevant over the years.

 

M: What value do you give to lighting in the design of a space? Do you prefer decorative or architectural lighting?
S: It’s the most important thing. Architectural lighting is always supported by technical lighting.

 

M: Why did you choose Jaima for the exterior of Shiro?
S: It felt like a very appropriate and versatile solution, with the necessary quality for an outdoor setting like this.