OAK & SMOKE BBQUE-LINARY INSTITUTE

Project Overview

This project explores the intersection of cultural heritage, technical proficiency, and architectural storytelling through the design of a culinary institute specializing in Texas BBQ. Framed by the studio’s guiding concepts of thresholds and transitions, the BBQ Institute is conceived as both an educational facility and a civic landmark — a place where architecture fosters learning, honors tradition, and brings people together.

The program includes teaching kitchens, smoke yards, classrooms, flexible dining halls, and community gathering spaces, all organized around a central courtyard. Material strategies prioritize fire-resistance, regional identity, and passive climate control, using charred wood, weathering steel, and reclaimed masonry.

Rooted in the social and cultural history of Texas BBQ, this project investigates how food traditions shape space and identity. Inspired by the democratic and unifying nature of BBQ culture, the design emphasizes openness, ritual, and inclusivity. The BBQ Institute stands not only as a center for culinary excellence but as a living archive of a shared regional legacy — a place where fire, community, and architecture converge.

Specifications

Project Size

43,000 ft2

Location

Lockhart, Texas

Time to Complete

15 Weeks

Tools used

Revit, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp, Lumion

Site Analysis

To deepen the connection between architecture, culture, and environment, I conducted a site analysis using 3 of the 5 senses:

  • Sight revealed strong sun paths, long shadow patterns, and open visual corridors ideal for framing smoke, fire, and activity.

  • Sound mapping helped identify the rhythm of the site, from ambient nature to distant traffic, informing the placement of quiet classrooms versus active smoke yards.

  • Smell was studied to manage the movement of smoke and the aroma of barbecue, enhancing sensory experience while maintaining comfort.

Renders