Theme, context:
We were appointed to develop a restaurant concept on a pedestrianised street near Hyde Park which connects South Kensington’s two major high streets: Knightsbridge and Brompton Road. From the offset, a primary challenge was to adapt a fine dining concept to a small sized and rather restrictive commercial unit, divided over the ground floor and basement, and with available floor space at under 50 metres squared on each floor. Therefore, one of the initial questions arising was how to lay out a generous and appealing restaurant which includes open bars, cocktail making and private dining areas in a narrow space.
Nonetheless, during the demolition phase after stripping out layers of false ceilings, we found that the ground floor element of the premises benefitted from a particularly high ceiling, in excess of 3,5 metres. We concluded this is an important quality of the space which needs to be emphasised and utilised to aid the perception of depth and amplitude of the space, thus compensating for the restrictive perimeter.
As with all of our hospitality concepts, we kicked a collaborative research phase during which, together with our clients, we picked out the most relevant and interesting facets of their vision, culture and cuisine. What followed was a long process of ‘weaving’ the atmosphere based on these pillars.
Specifically, we had extensive conversations with Chef Patron Darren Liew about his vision and the Nanyang region around the South China Sea - a melting pot of different cuisines with a common denominator of freshness, brightness and variety coming from the fertile lands, abundant rain and the sea. We also spoke about his childhood and favourite ingredients, home cooking, spices and herbs.
The elements which inspired us most and we chose to explore further revolve around landscape, nature and the archetypes of local cultures. Specifically, the fertile lands, the rain, the estuaries filled with labyrinthine nets and poles - traditional oyster farms and fishing boats, a testament of centuries past.

Concept:
Drawing on the references discussed above, we crafted an interior which represents the Nanyang environment, the earth, the rain, the sea and its estuaries from which abundance, freshness and blossoms emerge.
At the ground floor, a bespoke clay plaster texture was developed to resemble the earth after torrential rain. Deep wood tones complement and wrap up the remaining walls, while brass curtains inspired from the local fishing nets hang at high level and add transparency and lightness, balancing out the weight of the earthy surroundings.
The restaurant’s basement was designed to accommodate private parties and late evening themed dining. Here, a warped bronze cladding which strongly reminds of water ripples covers the upper sections of the walls and, at the junction with the wood cladding an ice container running front to back through the space serves as wine cooler for all tables.
To enhance the perception of space and add generosity and amplitude to an otherwise restricted premises, we worked with the existing structures and technical provisions to add layers and depth to the surrounding walls. We created with a series of niches, overlays and transparencies to blur and soften the boundaries of the space. The overall qualities of the resulting atmosphere are warmth and a soothing touch derived from the earthy tones and textures, a backdrop which complements the fresh and vibrant dishes, cocktails and service arrangements.
Thoughtful use of artificial lighting is a key aspect, primarily because the several layers of different natural and muted colours and textures require certain types of light to highlight their subtle qualities. Concealed LED strips are always pointed parallel with the surface of the clay plasters at carefully considered distance to ensure the depth of the texture is highlighted. Another important consideration which we believe plays heavily in creating the desired atmosphere is localised lighting over the table areas achieved by technical, pendant and table lights. This enables the general lighting to be dimmed down and not overpower the setting.