New Found Lakeview Restaurant in Hangzhou utilizes surreal design to create a unique dining experience.
Contents
Project Background and Restaurant Brand
The New Found Lakeview Restaurant, located in Hangzhou, China, is a new flagship restaurant for the 23-year-old local Hangzhou-style cuisine brand, New Found. The design concept aimed to depart from traditional narrative approaches and instead create an abstract and surreal atmosphere, presenting a pre-designed ‘reading framework’ for diners to interpret. This approach aimed to capture the essence of the unique Hangzhou culinary culture and seamlessly blend it with the picturesque scenery of West Lake, a famed natural landmark in the region. The design approach sought to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration, reflecting the core values of the New Found brand and its connection to local culture. This project exemplifies the innovative approach to restaurant design in Hangzhou and China, intertwining West Lake restaurant design with local culture and modern architectural techniques.
tag: West Lake restaurant design, Hangzhou restaurant design, China restaurant design, New Found restaurant, surreal restaurant design
Spatial Transformation and Design Goals
The initial building structure presented challenges, with a low ceiling height of less than 2.4 meters on the first floor, resulting in a sense of claustrophobia. The LDP team strategically removed sections of the floor and ceiling between the two floors, creating a double-height atrium that significantly improved the spatial experience. This design decision also resulted in designated dining areas on the second floor, overlooking the central space. The design incorporated a series of openable, paneled partitions that provide views of the West Lake landscape and seamlessly connect the interior with the surrounding environment. In this context, the West Lake view and Hangzhou-style cuisine are intertwined for an unforgettable dining experience. The project embraces a modern architectural approach in conjunction with the aesthetic and culinary heritage of Hangzhou.
tag: West Lake restaurant design, Hangzhou restaurant design, China restaurant design, double-height atrium, openable partitions, restaurant interior design
Functional Layout and Space Planning
The restaurant’s layout was carefully planned to create a seamless and engaging experience for diners. A striking green aesthetic dominates the design, subtly suggesting the surrounding natural landscape of West Lake and the lush vegetation commonly found in Hangzhou. The ground floor is paved with handmade green glazed tiles, subtly referencing local artisanal crafts. The use of natural, locally sourced materials is a key element of the design, and the bamboo screens subtly delineate different zones within the space. Pink lighting was strategically deployed to guide the visitors through the various zones and the restaurant space. This soft, ambient lighting further enhances the sense of exploration and discovery within the space. The design also showcases a combination of innovative design approaches and cultural elements that make this restaurant stand out.
tag: Hangzhou interior design, China restaurant design, green glazed tiles, bamboo screens, soft ambient lighting, restaurant space planning
Aesthetic and Design Features
A central feature is the steel staircase concealed behind the bamboo-woven screens, a prominent sculptural element that accentuates the double-height space. This unique staircase becomes a focal point, drawing the visitor’s eye towards the heart of the restaurant. Upon reaching the upper level, a surreal scene unfolds. Diners can enjoy an inverted view of the West Lake, with its shimmering waters reflecting the sky. This unique perspective cleverly juxtaposes the beauty of the natural landscape with the lively atmosphere of the restaurant, creating a memorable and immersive experience for guests. The design also incorporates a traditional Chinese aesthetic with innovative design approaches, making the restaurant a unique space in Hangzhou.
tag: West Lake restaurant design, Hangzhou restaurant design, steel staircase, surreal interior design, inverted view, Hangzhou local aesthetic
Material Selection and Sustainability
The designers emphasized natural and locally sourced materials in this restaurant, including the green glazed tiles on the floor and the woven bamboo used for the partition screens. These materials contribute to a sense of connection with the natural environment, a reflection of the designers’ commitment to the local environment. The design showcases an innovative approach to materials and construction that is reflective of contemporary architectural and interior design trends. Furthermore, this unique design enhances the culinary experience and draws visitors to this restaurant in Hangzhou.
tag: Hangzhou restaurant interior design, sustainable restaurant design, local materials, bamboo screens, sustainable architectural design, West Lake restaurant
Cultural and Social Impacts
The restaurant’s design effectively blends the traditional culinary culture of Hangzhou with contemporary design principles. The space becomes a platform for celebrating local culinary traditions and culture, showcasing the rich heritage of the region to a wider audience. This integration of local culture with architectural design highlights the innovative and culturally-aware perspective of LDP Design & Manufacture. The restaurant embodies the vision of crafting spaces that respect and honor local traditions, effectively positioning itself as a cultural landmark in Hangzhou.
tag: West Lake restaurant, Hangzhou cultural heritage, Chinese cuisine, modern restaurant design, local culinary traditions, restaurant design in Hangzhou
Construction Process and Management
The construction process involved meticulous planning and execution to realize the designers’ vision. The challenges of the existing building structure and the incorporation of unique design elements required careful coordination between the design and construction teams. The project required innovative structural engineering techniques to successfully create the double-height atrium and incorporate the steel staircase. The design and construction process showcase how modern technology is integrated into traditional craftsmanship, further enhancing the unique experience of the restaurant.
tag: Hangzhou restaurant design, double-height atrium, steel staircase, construction techniques, restaurant interior construction, China restaurant interior design
Conclusion and Impact
The New Found Lakeview Restaurant stands as a testament to the power of creative design to transform space and create memorable experiences. By skillfully blending the natural beauty of West Lake with the vibrant culinary culture of Hangzhou, the designers have crafted a space that is both visually stunning and culturally resonant. The restaurant’s success is a reflection of the creative vision of LDP Design & Manufacture and their unique approach to restaurant design in Hangzhou and China. This project sets a new standard for restaurant design, demonstrating the potential of modern design approaches to enhance the dining experience while also honoring local heritage.
tag: West Lake restaurant design, Hangzhou restaurant design, LDP Design & Manufacture, China restaurant design, contemporary restaurant design, modern restaurant interior design
Project Information:
Restaurant
LDP Design & Manufacture
China
600m²
2023
2023
Bamboo, Steel, Green Glazed Tile
Zhu Liming
