In Between Octaves Japanese Ramen House

When we think back to eating ramen in Japan, we remember how lucky we were to get seats at the counter. From there, we could closely observe the ramen artisans meticulously preparing each bowl. The way they shook the noodles, accompanied by their spirited shouts, made us even more excited for the ramen to be served.

We hope to incorporate oriental elements into the westernized shopping mall and create the concept of a street within a street, just like being in a bustling food street in Japan.

We will display the award-winning results in the ramen restaurant simultaneously, so that customers can not only enjoy the taste of ramen, but also further understand the space design concept.

The 45-days deadline to launch In Between Octaves Japanese Ramen House in time for Christmas events pushed designer Che Yung Kung and the team to make bold, efficient choices that still honored the spirit of Japanese ramen culture.Time-Driven Design DecisionsModular construction techniques were prioritized to speed up installation, such as using prefabricated wooden trusses and stainless steel mesh facades.The open kitchen bar with sliding windows allowed for rapid assembly while enhancing customer interaction.A central axis grid layout was used to streamline spatial planning, reducing time spent on complex architectural adjustments.Innovative Solutions Born from PressureCalligraphy lanterns were used not just as decor but as spatial dividers, creating ambiance and structure simultaneously.A looped kitchen circulation system with dual food delivery ports enabled seamless operations—critical for high-volume holiday traffic.Atmospheric lighting and textured wall from wallpaper were chosen for their quick install times and high visual impact.

The open kitchen design with sliding windows in In Between Octaves Japanese Ramen House, created by Che Yung Kung, is deeply rooted in personal experiences of dining in Japan—and it’s more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s a spatial narrative that bridges memory, tradition, and engagement.Personal Experience as Design CatalystThe designer recalls the thrill of sitting at a ramen counter in Japan, watching chefs prepare each bowl with precision and passion. The shaking of noodles, the spirited shouts, and the intimate proximity to the cooking process left a lasting impression. These sensory memories became the foundation for the architectural concept.“We remember how lucky we were to get seats at the counter… the way they shook the noodles, accompanied by their spirited shouts, made us even more excited for the ramen to be served.” — Che Yung KungArchitectural Translation: Sliding Windows & Open Kitchen- Sliding windows allow for a dynamic threshold between the kitchen and dining area, echoing the transparency and immediacy of traditional ramen stalls.- The O-shaped circulation around the kitchen ensures fluid movement of staff and food, while keeping the chef visible and central to the dining experience.- Calligraphy lanterns and rhythmic spatial elements frame the kitchen like a musical score, reinforcing the metaphor of ramen-making as a performance.Customer Engagement & Cultural Resonance- The open kitchen fosters emotional connection between diners and chefs, enhancing trust and anticipation.- It invites diners to witness craftsmanship, turning a meal into a multisensory event.- This setup mirrors the Japanese omotenashi spirit—hospitality rooted in sincerity and attentiveness.Broader Design InsightThis design aligns with broader trends in ramen architecture:- Open kitchens are increasingly used to build transparency and authenticity.- They create a theatrical experience, where the act of cooking becomes part of the dining ritual.

Fast-Track Design: 45 Days to Christmas OpeningCompleting In Between Octaves Japanese Ramen House in just 45 days meant every decision had to serve schedule and quality simultaneously. From day one, the project team mapped out critical paths, locked in vendor lead times, and built a rolling two-week look-ahead. Lean Scheduling & Workflow Optimization- Prefabrication Wherever PossibleWooden roof trusses, bathroom pods, and façade frames were built off-site and simply slotted into place.- Simplified Material PaletteBy limiting finishes to white porcelain tile, veneered plywood, and stainless-steel mesh, procurement cycles shrank dramatically.Rapid-Install Systems & Prefab Details- Sliding-window Kitchen FaçadeFunctioned as both dining counter and rapid-mount cladding, merging two trades into one installation step.- Batch-Produced Calligraphy LanternsLantern frames, wiring, and hand-brushed paper sleeves were completed off-site, then hung in minutes on site.