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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Project description via Dan Brunn Architecture Photos Taiyo Watanabe