Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant by Tim Jen and Min Chen

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant by Tim Jen and Min Chen is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award d'Argent in Disseny d'Espais Interiors i Exposicions Competition Category.

ArgentInterior· 2025

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant

by Tim Jen and Min Chen

Client: squaremeter Design Studio

A' Design Award d'Argent Winner in Interior Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #162938

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant

Aquest projecte està ubicat a Tainan, considerada la ciutat més significativa històricament de Taiwan. Per tant, el concepte de disseny té com a objectiu presentar diversos materials en les seves formes originals per crear profunditat espacial alhora que mostra l'encant rústic de Tainan. La barra de formigó serveix com a nucli de l'espai, envoltada de plaques de coure i xapes de fusta natural que canviaran d'aparença amb el temps. Això simbolitza la cultura única de Tainan, que s'ha desenvolupat a través de transicions i evolució històriques.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award d'Argent

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant és un guanyador del guardó A' Design Award d'Argent, un reconeixement extraordinàriament prestigiós concedit a dissenys d'alta gamma, esplèndids i impressionants. Els guanyadors d'Argent són obres tremendament brillants i summament creatives que il·lustren la perícia, el talent i la perspicàcia excepcionals dels seus dissenyadors. Es preveu que Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant sigui una obra meravellosa i de gran lluïment, remarcablement professional i profundament innovadora. Aquest disseny guanyador del guardó A' Design Award d'Argent és un invent molt notable i admirat que beneficia i fa avançar els límits de l'art, la ciència, el disseny i la tecnologia. Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant és una creació molt envejada que evoca desitjos, introdueix sentiments positius i desperta sorpresa i admiració.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: A handcrafted concrete bar counter was designed as the core element of the entire space. After the concrete was poured, the owner was invited to participate in the chiseling process, deepening the connection between the owner, the customers, and the space itself. The bar is surrounded by untreated copper plates and raw walnut veneer, which will change in appearance over time. This symbolizes the unique culture of Tainan, shaped by historical changes and evolution.
Dimensions & Packaging: The site is an old four-story house. The first floor is primarily designated for dining and the kitchen, while the second floor serves as private dining rooms. The third and fourth floors are allocated for staff rest and storage of goods. The design focuses mainly on the exterior and the spaces of the first and second floors. The total designed area for the first and second floors is 65 square meters.
Tags: Natural, Izakaya, squaremeter Design Studio, Taiwan, Tainan
Production Technology: The original building's green tiles on the exterior were retained and complemented with walnut veneer on the interior. The contrasting colors are accentuated with gold copper sheets. Additionally, the original gray marble flooring was preserved and paired with a newly constructed concrete bar counter, enhancing the overall stability and groundedness of the space. The design maintains the building's original features, striking a balance between historical elements and new materials, ensuring that the building stands out in the alleys of Tainan without appearing out of place.
Design Challenge: Integrating the design with the original building conditions was the biggest challenge, leading to several proposed solutions. The green tiles on the exterior of the building and the walnut veneer on the interior, along with contrasting colors and gold brass accents, create a harmonious overall space with a bright focal point. The original flooring and the gray color of the new concrete bar contribute to the calmness of the space. The wall of the staircase leading to the upper floor features a high-brightness blue color, transforming the space and reducing visual fatigue caused by the same color tone over a large area. The feature wall lamps and the hand-hewn bar also add liveliness to the space.
Research: The site of this project is located in a city rich in historical and cultural background. Therefore, the goal is not only to create a unique design but also to develop a space that integrates local cultural characteristics. Materials that are raw and evolve over time, such as copper sheets, concrete, and natural wood veneer, have been chosen as part of the design solution. The integration of people, space, time, and place is the core of the design philosophy. Consequently, context-sensitive design has always been the primary consideration and goal.
Inspiration: This project is located in Tainan, one of Taiwan's most historically rich cities. Connecting the restaurant with Tainan's history was the primary design consideration. Therefore, various materials were presented in their original forms to create spatial layering while showcasing Tainan's local culture. By integrating the local culture of Tainan's ancient capital, the design preserves the building's rustic charm while infusing it with new vitality.
Project Duration: This project was completed in December 2023 in Tainan, Taiwan, and officially opened in January 2024.
Operation Flow: In terms of the flow of use, the space used by consumers and staff is separated, with the front area, where consumers are located, as the main focus of the design. In the back area, a large kitchen space has been planned to ensure that staff do not interfere with the consumers' route when delivering or receiving food. This arrangement allows consumers to enjoy a better dining experience.
Team Members: Tim Jen
Min Chen
Image Credits: Photographer Weimax Studio, 2024.