The design of rustic ovens carries deep historical significance, reflecting both the art of cooking and humanity’s long-standing relationship with fire and craftsmanship. One of the most essential design elements of rustic ovens is the open space that allows us to see the inside of the oven. This opening, inspired by the window-like gaps created by early humans, holds symbolic value, often acting as a “keystone” element that ties the oven’s function to its ancient origins. To design a rustic oven, it wasn’t enough to focus on modern technologies; instead, we looked back into history, embracing the essence of cultural and architectural research.
The GAP oven incorporates this idea through its design. The form of the opening, which allows the user to view the interior, is derived from the ancient Roman practice of creating windows and door openings. By mirroring this form vertically, we not only preserved the historic aesthetic but also integrated a modern approach that emphasizes the opening itself. To enhance both the functionality and tactile experience, we introduced an arched handle that serves as both a design feature and a practical element, allowing users to interact with the oven more intuitively.
The combination of these historical references with contemporary design solutions ensures that the GAP oven doesn’t just serve as a cooking appliance, but as a fusion of past and present. Through this design, Formeta Design and Ferre have created an appliance that is as much about cultural storytelling as it is about modern functionality.
The GAP oven was first showcased at the IFA Berlin exhibition, symbolizing the successful collaboration between Ferre and Formeta Design, where tradition and innovation meet in a timeless kitchen solution.