Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant by Monique Lee

Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant by Monique Lee is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2018 A' Design Award de Bronze in Design d'Intérieur Competition Category.

BronzeIntérieur· 2018

Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant

by Monique Lee

Client: Kaiseki Den by Saotome

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Intérieur Category

15,580

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #61367

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

Colors

The Design

About Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant

Kaiseki Den de Saotome, utilise des éléments de conception Wabi-sabi distinctifs de simplicité, de texture brute, de modestie et de nature pour illustrer la signification Zen derrière la cuisine Kaiseki. La devanture est construite avec des bandes de bois composite naturel donnant un effet visuel tridimensionnel. Le couloir d'entrée et les salles VIP avec des éléments japonais Karesansui évoquent l'imagination d'être dans un sanctuaire paisible non perturbé par l'agitation de la ville. L'intérieur dans une disposition la plus simple avec un minimum de décoration. Les lignes en bois claires et le papier wagami translucide avec un éclairage doux gardent une sensation d'espace.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant est lauréat de l'A' Design Award de Bronze, une reconnaissance hautement prestigieuse décernée à des designs remarquables qui se distinguent par leur créativité, leur ingéniosité et leur sagacité. Les lauréats Bronze sont des artefacts amplement habiles et d'une créativité frappante, qui authentifient la vaste expérience, l'imagination et l'ingéniosité de leurs concepteurs. Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant est censé être un objet très estimé, admiré et chéri, remarquablement professionnel et innovant. Ce design lauréat de l'A' Design Award de Bronze intègre les meilleures pratiques de l'art, de la science, du design et de la technologie, et est excellent par son souci du détail. Kaiseki Den Le Restaurant satisfait admirablement les besoins, touche les désirs, charme les sentiments et attire la curiosité.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Kaiseki Den, serves Kaiseki cuisine which is a tribute to transcendental meditation. The design employs simple shapes in a three-dimensional perspective for a modest and peaceful vibe. To bring out the concept of original state of nature associated with Kaiseki and its Zen philosophy, simple, soft sandy or earthy colours, natural materials, coarse marble floor are used. They are a visual pacifier to manifest a calm mind and customers are in a brief retreat from the busy city.
Dimensions & Packaging: The site area is 137.3 sq.m
Tags: Elegant, Simple, Natural, Environment Friendly, Peaceful, wabi-sabi
Production Technology: Sustainable natural materials closest to its raw texture are selected to present the original state of nature. Tailor-made natural composite wood strips with metal strip inserted manually for a sturdy structure for shop front were assembled on spot. Interior is decorated with coarse marble floor, bamboo bark wall paper, wood screen door and linen Noren. An energy saving LED lighting system is employed. Wagami light boxes conceal an adjustable LED lighting system. For best visual effects and easy maintenance, paper cover is in a door construction with hinges hidden at the top.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge comes from its geographical complexity. Situated on a slope, it combines 2 units of irregular shapes on different horizontal levels and with different ceiling heights. Partial area sinks below ground level outside, blocking natural light source.
Its’ irregular shape posts a feeling of disorder. Reworking the drainage system compatible with an open kitchen design requires a full-scale construction of raising the floor for a unified level surface. A simple layout, minimum use of colours and decorations also post difficulty in creating a Japanese feeling.
Research: In order to create a comfortable and simple Japanese design, we chose Japanese garden as our design direction. We researched into Kyoto Jinfu Temple Karesansui - dry landscape through different books and internet. Understanding its representation of Wasbi-sabi and the Zen meaning behind the concept. We coordinate and employ these aesthetic concepts into our design to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Inspiration: Kaiseki refers to the warm pebble Buddhist monks put on their belly during Zen contemplation to soothe feeling of hunger, a divine tool to assist the pursuit of ultimate truth. The design uses Wabi-sabi Aesthetics elements like simplicity, asymmetry to simulate a natural environment. The Japanese Karesansui Landscape represents a static form. Images like static ripple lines as Running Water, Circles as Rock meaning Land are believed to manifest a calm mind and build a tranquil environment.
Project Duration: The project stated in Feb 2017 and finished in May 2017 in Hong Kong.
Located at Shop 3-4, G/F, The Oakhill, 28 Wood Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Operation Flow: Drainage system was re-laid to allow for an open kitchen and dining counter design. Diners can see chefs cook and talk with them. Floor of kitchen and main hall was raised for extra underground space to embed drainage pipes and to keep bar counter table on same level for diners and chefs chat comfortably. On the opposite is an open space with a sliding screen in translucent Wagami paper and wooden strips. When fully open, it becomes a spacious hall. When slided closed, it creates a Washitsu private room. This allows flexible and full use of space and light, and strengthens a Japanese vibe.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Monique Lee, 2017
Team Members: Design Director: Monique Lee
Designer: Thomas Chu
Image Credits: Image #1- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #2- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #3- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #4- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #5- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017