Keiichi Ito and Ryo Okada - Uds Ltd. · CLIENT: UDS Ltd.
Style Kitchen is a restaurant interior located in Kutchan cho, Hokkaido, Japan. The long and narrow space covers 785 square metres and is divided into three zones. Antique wood and stone near the entrance create a casual mood, while the rear zones are more private and quiet. Semi private rooms recall traditional snow huts, and the pendant lights resemble snow crystals. An open kitchen at the centre refers to the Annupuri mountain range. The curtains grow darker toward the back and also improve thermal insulation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- With a long and narrow space provided for the design, the decision for the plan was to adopt a gradational design from a casual space near the entrance to a more private and luxury zone at the end. To bring the history and nature of Niseko inside the restaurant, the design includes elements like semi private rooms, reminding traditional snow huts, or building materials reminiscence of a snow glimmer.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Spread over 785sq.m., separated into 3 zones, each part is layered with specially designed hardened floors which can withstand the abuse of snow booths and the winter ware. The curtains are double layered to softly absorb the outdoor light. And the deeper one goes toward the back of the restaurant, the darker the color of the curtains becomes, creating a gradually calming space, while at the same time considering the effect of thermal insulation.
- Tags
- Restaurant, Design, Niseko, All day dining, Snow resort, ski resort
- Production Technology
- A mix of antique wood and stone near the entrance of the restaurant enhances the casual spirit of the space, while the passage leading to the more private spaces is designed to look more sophisticated, reminding one of the images of calming rows of birch trees at night. In the center of the restaurant stands the open kitchen with elements designed to represent the Annupuri mountain range of Niseko, creating a lively atmosphere. Even the pendant lights were designed to resemble snow crystals so that the guests were submerged in the beauty of Niseko snow resort.
- Design Challenge
- One of the clients requests was to include as much as possible from the culture of Niseko, so many of the artwork was entrusted to Hokkaido artists to convey the charm of the local area to the guests properly. High quality and environmentally appropriate furniture was also achieved by manufacturing them in Hokkaido.
- Project Duration
- Design begun in April 2020 and construction begun in August 2021. Operation begun on December 15, 2024. The restaurant is in Kutchan cho, Hokkaido. Infront of the Restaurant stretches the famous Hanazono ski slope and is surrounded by the mountains Yotei and Annupuri.
- Operation Flow
- The restaurant has 3 zones, some of which can be closed during the low season without creating a cut off feeling. To create connection to the charm of the local nature and history, to create a calming atmosphere, the design includes elements like local wood and stone. An oversized steel pod resembling an old distillation tank is installed over the round bar counter near the entrance. It is a connection to the local industry and history and can even be seen from the ski slopes elevating the interest of the outside passersby.
- Research
- The research was based on snow resorts, restaurants and facilities in Niseko. The goal was to combine not only the different styles of restaurants, but to include the local surroundings as well. It resulted in the creation of a space with many types of seating styles and zones. A lively, entertaining and energized atmosphere, imbued with the charm of Niseko.
- Inspiration
- The breathtaking natural environment of the Niseko snow resort in Jpan, its long history and unique culture were the basis for this design. The design concept is called All Taste and is an accumulation of experiences of the surroundings brought inside, in addition to an exquisite cuisine.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Shinsui Ohara, 2024
Optional Image #1: Photographer Shinsui Ohara, 2024
Optional Image #2: Photographer Shinsui Ohara, 2024
Optional Image #3: Photographer Shinsui Ohara, 2024
Optional Image #4: Photographer Shinsui Ohara, 2024
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