A Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong,China,designed by Singapore-based design studio Studio1618.A minimalist Japanese restaurant, a series of Spaces are designed to connect customers with nature,with closure and privacy as central themes of the design concept.In planning the 270-square-metre restaurant,the designers observed a series of subtle Japanese approaches to creating compartments.In the design, the entrance to the restaurant transcends the reception,a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Japanese entrance.

The restaurant is located in the upscale Lee Garden One in Causeway Bay,one of the busiest neighbourhoods in Hong Kong,meaning there’s a steady flow of people through the mall.At Kanizen,Studio1618’ve retained the essence of Japanese minimalism,but added contemporary layering to create a new experience of Japanese dining.

To create a sense of privacy and atmosphere,Studio1618 chose natural materials that reference Japanese design sensibilities, including glass and honey-hued wood.Their also used a mixture of modern elements like soft pistachio green leather alongside grey marble and brushed bass to create a subtle contrast that shows how heritage and design can beautifully complement each other.

Studio1618 custom made the geometric lattice panel partitions and the brass-rimmed screens with semi-transparent fluted green glass that divide the booths and private dining rooms.These reflect the importance of transitions and views in Japanese architecture and allow noise reduction, as well as create privacy without blocking light.

A highlight is the seven-metre-long strip of hand-painted wallpaper that runs along the wall above each banquette.It’s a landscape painting in rich aqua green, ink blue and saffron yellow, overlaid with the geometry of the latticework. The combination is a modern take on Japanese screens and creates a sense of drama in the space.