Golden accents
Located in the bustling coastal city of Wenzhou in the southeast of China, known for its mild subtropical climate, Xiaoshi (小十) restaurant draws on the local environment, creating a heightened, aesthetically refined dining atmosphere for its guests.
Design Philosophy
Inspired by Chinese classical aesthetics, the project combines the operational requirements of a restaurant with the existing site conditions to create an upscale dining experience on the upper level of a centrally located mall. The restaurant exterior is designed as a stage for visitors, becoming an intermediary space between the cozy interior and the mall, creating a heightened sense of transition and anticipation that ultimately allows for a more private dining experience. The curved “landscape” incorporates a series of bamboo stalks and a raised stone walkway which references a traditional Japanese garden. Overhead, a series of curved panels catch the light from above, while also acting as signage for the restaurant. A narrow hallway guides the visitor from the entrance through to a large, rectangular space that acts as the main dining hall. A series of double-height windows run along the north wall, separated by deep, vertical panels which filter the natural light and introduce a striking scale and rhythm to the space.
Interior Façade & Lighting
The main wall is clad in dark, customly designed panels that feature translucent timber illuminated by led lights, breaking up the open-plan space into intimate dining corners and introducing visual variation. The circulation area sits on a different level from the main dining room, lined with glowing led lights, providing clear spatial definition and graphic visual flair. Linear hidden lighting is carried through along the edge of the ceiling, echoing the lights below and providing an aesthetic consistency as well as a sense of spatial depth.
Material Palette & Furniture
A dark color palette is chosen, featuring materials such as dark wall panels, hardwood flooring and golden accents. The furniture is custom designed, inspired by traditional Japanese craftmanship. Finally, a collection of objects and artefacts such as antique vases and handmade ceramics complete the space.