Jiushu Restaurant in Hangzhou showcases a contemporary take on Chinese architectural aesthetics and interior design, drawing inspiration from the Song Dynasty and emphasizing regional cultural identity.
Contents
Project Background
Jiushu Restaurant is situated at the entrance of the renowned Jiuxi Scenic Area, part of the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Nestled beneath a massive camphor tree, the restaurant occupies a previously unassuming two-story building. The project was initiated by the owner, a seasoned restaurateur with a deep passion for the locale and its culinary heritage. They envisioned a space that would capture the essence of Eastern aesthetics while offering a refined dining experience. The design was entrusted to Nei Architecture, a firm known for its sensitivity to cultural context and its ability to blend traditional elements with modern sensibilities.
Design Concept and Objectives
The design concept for Jiushu Restaurant draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Jiuxi Eighteen Streams (九溪十八涧), a scenic wonder celebrated for its meandering waterways and lush vegetation. The design team aimed to translate the serenity and tranquility of this natural landscape into the restaurant’s interior. This was achieved through a minimalist approach, incorporating ample negative space and a muted color palette to create a sense of calm and spaciousness. The restaurant’s design also pays homage to the Song Dynasty’s (960-1279) aesthetic principles, characterized by simplicity, elegance, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Exterior Transformation
The original concrete structure of the building underwent a thoughtful transformation to align with the restaurant’s design ethos. The heavy, unrefined grey tile roof was extended and reshaped using metal sheets, creating a more graceful and visually appealing profile that adhered to traditional Chinese architectural principles. The addition of white curtains, gently swaying in the breeze, softened the building’s facade and evoked a sense of intimacy. This design element also drew inspiration from depictions of Song and Ming Dynasty architecture in classical Chinese paintings, creating a visual link between the restaurant and its historical context.
Interior Design and Spatial Planning
The interior design of Jiushu Restaurant embraces minimalism and functionality, with each element carefully considered and proportioned. The layout promotes a seamless flow between different areas while maintaining a sense of privacy and intimacy. Abstract lines and proportions reminiscent of Song Dynasty aesthetics are incorporated throughout the space, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Natural materials, such as wood and bamboo, are used extensively, adding warmth and texture to the interior.
Lighting and Decorative Elements
A pair of antique, hand-woven bamboo lanterns from the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) grace the entrance and the staircase leading to the second floor. These unique finds, discovered by the owner during their travels in ancient Huizhou, serve as focal points and enhance the restaurant’s historical character. In the private dining rooms on the second floor, copper-framed chandeliers crafted from repurposed palm leaf fans add a touch of whimsy and creativity. Each private room is also adorned with a round silk fan inscribed with the room’s name in shoujinti (瘦金体), a calligraphy style associated with the Song Dynasty emperor Huizong. The round fan symbolizes unity and harmony, adding a layer of cultural significance to the design.
Project Information:
Architects: Nei Architecture
Area: 3000 ft²
Project Year: 2023
Project Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Photographs: Pan Jie
Lead Architects: Chen Lin
Design Team: Chen Lin, Zhang Qiang, Wang Wei
Construction Team: Hangzhou Jiu Yuan Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.
Client: Jiushu Catering Management Co., Ltd.
Main Materials: Concrete, metal sheet, wood, bamboo, fabric
Project Type: Restaurant
Photographer: Pan Jie
