The Cave restaurant offers a new dining experience on one of Maroubra’s busiest streets. The notion of creating an intimate and controlled dining space was a key objective in the design of the Cave. The Sushi Train outlet explores the use of multiple timber curves to create a continuous yet open canopy above the dining areas that changes as the use below varies. The profiles where tested in 3D models and the curves cut using CNC technology. The innovative design and construction contributes to contemporary interior design, by experimenting and forwarding design technologies.
The Cave integrates aspects of nature into the design. In exploring the acoustics of a natural Cave, the same ambience and containment could be achieved in the interior restaurant design. The exposed timber profiles not only help to create an acoustically intimate dining experience but also an innovative and unique environment, that makes this restaurant stand out among others.
The aim of the Cave restaurant was to change the way we eat and chat in restaurants. The acoustic quality of restaurants contributes to the comfort and enjoyment of a dining experience. The timber curves create visual excitement but also aim to add another dimension to the overall dining experience that many restaurants neglect.
We have experimented with noise levels in relation to the comfort of dining and the ambience a cave like environment can create. The timber profiles generate a sound studio atmosphere, and a pleasant ‘noise’ of dining conversation, offering a more intimate experience as well as a visually interesting and complex surrounding.
The detailing intent was to create a high impact interior, the focus on the timber curves, and a minimalist background with a simple colour palette to really highlight the heart of this project. The high use of exposed timber creates natural warmth and offsets the full height glazing that opens to the street. The spacing between the timber curves was tested in order to achieve the optimal effect. From the entrance the timber looks like a continuous surface and once you are beneath the canopy the timber reveals a refined lightness. Lights drop between the curves and are hidden until you are below them. The curves of the timber follow the line of the sushi train and varies along the length of the restaurant to create a varied and interesting interior.
The series of acoustic curvatures were tested and developed with computer modelling and each ‘timber grain’ profile has been translated and cut from computer-generated 3-D data, using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology. This technology allowed for virtual testing of the design, making the physical construction a smooth process. The precision of CNC technology meant that minimal wastage was achieved when cutting numerous curved profiles. Local plywood was used for timber curves, and a level of recycling is possible at the end of the restaurant lifecycle.