Project Team

project team
design: Matt Darwon

The site is located in the semi-subterranean ground floor of a 1930’s heritage listed building. The room is long and narrow, with high windows that highlight the passing pedestrian traffic.

A sophisticated, contemporary ambience with ancient Japanese references was sought. The original site, with its long, narrow configuration and unique acoustics (thanks to being partially underground) was reminiscent of an ancient Japanese structure. Drawing from this, the designers goal was to create a space that would impart the enveloping sense of calm so beautifully achieved in traditional Tokyo establishments, yet with a contemporary relevance.

The concept for Tokonoma is inspired by ‘shun’, literally essence of the seasons in Japanese. To subtly reflect the menu concept, the interiors highlight a selection of stunning murals by Japanese artist Ando Hiroshige. These were hand-painted by Amon Okane. The extensive stonework featured throughout the space was designed by the owner himself.

As the space is in a heritage listed building from the outset the team faced as much difficulty as one could have. The site (which previously was a restaurant) did not comply with current day standards and approvals so they pretty much had to reapply for all permits, licences, and compliance matters.

“Lets just say that some people don’t like change at all,” said Paul Birtwistle, General Manager. “At one point they were ready to just throw in the towel. But after two and a half years of struggle and persistence we finally opened.”

The interior design is the result of a collaboration between architect Matt Darwon, who is responsible for the interiors at Toko Sydney, and Tokonoma proprietor Matt Yazbek. Together they agreed that the design of the venue be inspired by Ando Hiroshige’s book, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo. Once this concept was agreed upon everything came together very quickly. Three images of Tokyo from the book have been hand-painted onto the walls of the restaurant. This historic Japanese reference is juxtaposed by a clever selection of contemporary materials.

The long, narrow, counter-lined room mixes polished blonde woods, sandstone and concrete, ending in a curved wall of faded murals based on 19th century artist Ando Hiroshige’s ukiyo-period paintings.

“I think this selection of materials achieves the balance of sophistication and authentic Japanese charm that we set out to achieve,” added Paul.

The result is a thoughtful, relevant and evocative interior design, and a venue that embodies the very definition of its name – Tokonoma, which means ‘the pinnacle’.

Once it was agreed that the Ando Hiroshige hand-painted murals would be the heroes of the space the rest of the design elements fell into place. The striking red tones of the artworks are grounded by the use of earthy materials such as sandstone and cement. Striking copper sconces draw the eye to the artwork and offer a beautifully measured light. The entrance is inspired by Kinbaku or Japanese rope binding.

A blend of carefully curated pieces – the hand made stone supporting the bar, unique copper wall sconces and timber furnishing – against the striking backdrop of the hand-painted wall murals create a unique space. It is equally striking and sophisticated while enveloping and calming.

The lighting is very subtle in keeping with the overall idea of the space. The lighting highlights the use of natural elements chosen to accent the basement space it occupies.

Matt Yazbek is particularly proud of the bar, created from custom-made Japanese clay blocks that Yazbek designed are stacked to great effect. After a recent trip to Japan Yazbek was inspired by the use of stone clay bricks and the patterns they created.