Project Team
design: Adam Gower – ACG Design Co. / Helen Clayton – VECA Group
digital projection: Propaganda Group
Suppliers
furniture: Xilo, Tide Design, Luxxbox
lighting: Plico Design, LAD Group
Originally broken into three separate tenancies, the new space was not originally considered for a food offer. Significant work needed to be completed in regards to services, which placed severe limits on ceiling heights and general spatial planning.
The concept of the project was inspired by origami – the art of Japanese paper folding. However the inspiration was not so much in the completed creations, more in the discovery of the facets and forms created when the paper is deconstructed. The designers were trying to achieve an experimental and contemporary ambience, which still feels warm and approachable.
Height limitations and services re-designs throughout the project, made things very challenging. The design needed to be revised again and again, as the space available to us became more and more condensed. The designers also experienced a number of issues with gas connections and availability which again affected kitchen design.
The space needed to work from the kitchen outwards, trying to keep the kitchen as compact as possible to allow for maximum dining space. The designers were determined to provide a number of different seating options which reflect a more contemporary, unexpected approach to traditional Japanese dining.
The use of American White Oak throughout provided a textural neutral backdrop, reinforcing traditional ideas of a Japanese hospitality environment in a contemporary way. Honed GFRC concrete was also used to reflect typical Japanese urban landscapes.
The shopfront was the key element which tied the concept. From the outside, the fractured shapes of the shopfront structure are reflective of an unfolded origami form, promoting ideas of intrigue and discovery. Once inside the restaurant, the shopfront provides a calm, soothing atmosphere also typical of traditional Japanese dining interiors - but not typical of a shopping centre environment.
Lighting was not presented to be a major feature of the space, it was used to highlight certain sections of the fitout in subtle ways. The only feature lighting is randomly hung custom parchment origami shades which are designed to reflect the crazy power lines in Japanese urban areas
The turned timber screen is a favourite feature. The tactile quality of the timber is fully realised due to its scale, people can’t seem to help touching it. It creates beautiful shadows and divides the space to create seating options. The ‘alley’ it forms is a an oasis of calm in the sensory overload which is a shopping centre environment.