Anzu Restaurant: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Blenheim Design's Award-Winning Approach to Japanese Aesthetics

At the heart of Anzu's design lies the fusion of two contrasting Japanese aesthetics: Shinto and Mayabi. Shinto celebrates the wholeness of nature and character, while Mayabi appreciates polished manners and the elimination of roughness to achieve the highest grace. These philosophies are reflected in the materials used throughout the interior, creating a unique dining environment that blends traditional Japanese elements with modern design principles.

The unique properties of Anzu's design are based on the Japanese philosophy of the five elements. The entrance, located in the birth area, features wood, while the restaurant and bar are in the center, reflecting the yellow color of brass and plaster. Earth, representing power, is found in Shikui plaster and Washi throughout the restaurant. This design approach results in a unique space that is recognizably Japanese, yet carries a Parisian brasserie feel through its materials and sound.

The realization of Anzu's design involved the application of traditional Japanese materials, building techniques, and philosophy, all while working within the existing architectural elements. The joinery draws from Japanese simplicity, with the primary use of dark and light oak complemented by simple geometric patterned fabrics and a traditional bamboo floor. The warm ambiance is achieved through the use of soft indirect lighting of bespoke lime plaster mixed with hay, offsetting luxurious brass and bronze metal detailing.

The restaurant, spanning 198.6 square meters over two floors, houses the main bar, restaurant, and disabled toilet on the ground floor, with the kitchen, staff areas, and public toilets in the basement. The design also cleverly hides mechanical workings from view with a full-height sake display. The centrally located bar conceals the staircase, allowing for higher dining and views over the restaurant, creating a captivating theater of cocktail making.

Anzu's design faced several challenges, including landlord-imposed restrictions. One such challenge was the installation of the bar gantry without suspending any load from the structural ceiling. This was overcome by cross-bracing existing structural beams with an RSJ and suspending the gantry from it, with extra stability taken from the top of the back bar bottle display.

For its unique and innovative design, Anzu was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.