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

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran by Tim Jen and Min Chen is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award d'Argent in Interior Competition Category.

ArgentInterior· 2025

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran

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

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Colors

The Design

About Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran

Aqueste projècte es localitzat a Tainan, considerat coma la ciutat mai significativa istoriament de Taiwan. Per aquò, lo concept de design a per objècte de presentar divèrsi materials dins lors fòrmas originalas per crear una prigondor espaciala en metent en valenta lo charma rustic de Tainan. Lo comptador de bar en beton sèrv coma lo còr de l'espaci, envolat de placas de coire e de chapeatges de fusta bruta que cambiaràn d'aparéncia amb lo temps. Aquò simboliza la cultura unica de Tainan, que s'es desvolopada a travèrs de transicions istoricas e evolucion.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award d'Argent

Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran a ganhat la distincion A' Design Award d'Argent, una reconeissença extraordinàriament prestigiosa acordada a de designs d'ort de gamma, esplendids e impressionants. Los ganhaires de l'Argent son d'òbras terriblament brilhantas e extrèmament creativas que illustran l'experiéncia, lo talent e la finessa excepcionals de lors designers. S'espèra que Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran siá una òbra meravilhosa e de referéncia, notablament professionala e prigondament innovanta. Aqueste design ganhaire de la distincion A' Design Award d'Argent es una invencion fòrça notabla e admirada, que fa un ben e fa avançar las frontièras de l'art, de la sciéncia, del design e de la tecnologia. Izakaya 9am 5pm Restoran es una creacion immensament envejada que desrevelha de desirs, aduch de sentiments positius e fa néisser l'estonament e l'esmaiment.

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.