Jean de Lessard designs the new Kinoya Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant in Montreal
For the new Kinoya Izakaya, JEAN DE LESSARD – DESIGNERS CRÉATIFS design firm chose to explore the orthogonality and the verticality of space. The morphology of the narrow two-story premises located on Bishop Street, in Montreal, lends itself perfectly to it.
If the function and aesthetics are in line with the first Kinoya, this time the tunnel effect is amplified, on the ground floor and first floor, thanks to the assembly of polygons that are partially concealing the original masonry that was preserved for its rough appearance and for the sake of the economy of materials. Encroaching on the circulation axes, the wooden geometries dictate a zigzag path along which basic furniture and platforms are organised. Furthermore, they unfurl in the remodelled kitchen on the ground floor and around the bar counter upstairs, forming nooks and crannies that seem to confine the diners while the alternation of materials of different opacity offers entertaining points of view.
The key element of the project is an imposing scaffolding of metal grids made to order in the workshop and assembled on the spot. This stalagmite painted in yellow that rises to the top of the floor hides the staircase from view. Its unrefined workmanship enhances the “rough” plasticity typical of an izakaya.
The 50,000 stickers that adorn the structure add a dynamic irreverent note. The yellow here evokes the connotation of tumult that befits a shabby café one can imagine at the end of a dark alley.
Roar has given the iconic Dubai restaurant Mezza House a contemporary overhaul. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic landscape of the Yarmouk River Valley – a small but magically diverse ecosystem on the border of Syria and Jordan. Reminiscent of Mezza House’s cuisine, which seamlessly fuses the different Levantine cultures, Roar has conceived a contemporary interior that reflects this wealth of subtle but important regional influences.
The restaurant is organised as a succession of naturally flowing areas rather than one open-planned space. A key part of the redesign is the labyrinthine network of golden pipes that runs across the restaurant, visually structuring the different zones and mapping out the guests’ journey.
H2R Design was tasked to renovate Persian restaurant Anar, in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The brief was to revitalise the overall experience and to refresh the layout with natural flow, effervescence and personality. H2R Design designed a space that maintained the traditional spirit adding modern twists and feast-worthy tones.
An open modern design tandoor kitchen allows guest to see chefs preparing traditional bread. Terracotta tiles were added as the backsplash to create a traditional look while functioning as a heat resistant material absorbing higher temperatures and reducing cracking.
Modern but Persian inspired lighting was incorporated throughout the restaurant creating sanguine glows and warmth.
Twins Irina and Olga Sundukovy founded eponymous design and architecture studio Sundukovy Sisters, or simply S+S, in 2004.
Stucco, imitating concrete slabs and fragments of national painting were used on walls of the first floor. Stacked natural wood, toned in numerous shades, is emphasised by concrete inserts.
Heavily inspired by the art deco style of Bombay’s old aesthetic, Asha’s Abu Dhabi incorporates the revived identity of the iconic chain of restaurants. With the restaurant serving some of the most interesting blends of Indian cultural food in a lavish setting, the designers at LW offered an incredible opportunity to work on the interiors of this incredible restaurant.
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