Architect: Dan Brunn Architecture Location: Beverly Hills, California General Contractor: Ken Nishio of Tokyo Construction, Inc. Graphics / Logo: Julie Priceman of 6 Degrees LA Audio Video: Jon Komen of Swayd Systems Exterior Sign: Ruben Cielak of Tako Tyko Chairs: Crassevig Srl Custom table fabrication: Global Source Industries, Inc. Bathroom tile: Iris Ceramica Bathroom plumbing: Duravit & Toto Counters: CaesarStone USA
The newly design restaurant, Yojisan, by architect Dan Brunn in Beverly Hills, California adds a modern touch to the neighborhood with a sensibility to Japanese materials, culture and lifestyle. The restaurant is designed with a monolithic, but materially subdued exterior while being charged with a visually graphic interior.
The exterior is sleek and simple with the use of cedar planks as a header over the glass storefront that exposes the interior of the restaurant to the street. The inviting facade also features a canopy of leafy plants that greets visitors upon entering the restaurant. In contrast to the light airy qualities of the interior walls, the host stand evokes permanence in a heavy board formed concrete piece that also serves as a transition point between parts of the restaurant.
Overhead, the ceiling drops over the two main dining areas, isolating diners in a warm glow produced by the reflective red finish of the inverted bento box shaped volumes. The walls of the dining room feature an existing sand blasted brick wall covered with a sheer curtain to soften the space and attenuate noise. The opposite walls feature angled light coves that rise to the ceiling – an effort to evoke bamboo shoots. This wall provides the main circulation artery for Yojisan and evokes the sensation of traversing through a field of illuminated stalks by playing with negative space.
Essentially, the restaurant is minimal, using light and color s to accentuate material qualities. The architect using strong moves to isolate different spaces within the already limited space, while speaking to the tradition of Japanese cuisine.
Project description via Dan Brunn Architecture Photos Taiyo Watanabe
