The BBQ in Australia holds a special cultural significance. A society graced with high quality abundant meat and seafood, long evenings of temperate weather and a congenial population that loves to gather and share good stories, often combine outdoors around the family grill.

This commission takes the notion of the Australian “barbie” to the next level. The pizza oven is counter height with a slightly expanded opening to allow it to double as an outdoor fireplace. This adds soft firelight to the gathering and can take off the chill when used in the winter. An extended grill with a covered masonry hood exhausts the smoke and shields the hidden lighting.

The hand-carved stone beams are elaborately notched to support the assembly. Reclaimed granite stair treads are used as panels for the oven and wood storage.