Shoryu Ramen: A Harmonious Fusion of Cultures

Blenheim Design's Award-Winning Restaurant Inspired by Ancient Philosophy

The restaurant is centered around an impressive open kitchen complete with a traditional yakitori grill and ramen counter, offering diners the chance to experience the exciting creation of Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa. The design for Shoryu restaurant draws from the ancient philosophy of yin and yang, creating a space that simultaneously soothes and energizes. The calm Japanese palette and local materials are used to create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.

The unique properties of the design lie in the fusion of Japanese traditional building techniques with elements and materials of Oxford. A bespoke Hakata wall, formed from Japanese roof tiles set inside the plaster mixed with lime, pigment, and straw, is a thousand-year-old building technique unique to the Hakata region of Japan. Oak, stone, and bronze subtly nod to historic Oxford, while Japanese elements come from illuminated rice, geometric fabric, paper lanterns, bamboo, and suspended sake box screens.

The restaurant covers 267 sq meters plus 52 sq. m. of a new mezzanine level housing mechanical extraction. The show kitchen is 9m long with a bespoke 7m long stainless steel water gully. The layout allows clear interaction between staff and customers, with unobstructed views into the open kitchen and Japanese bar.

The design project started in February 2017 in Brighton and was completed in December 2017 in Oxford. The research was based on the origins of the Tonkotsu dish and the restaurant setting - historic Oxford. The design faced challenges in creating a simple and elegant restaurant housing 90 customers while fusing two different cultures. The challenge was overcome by positioning and elevating all wet areas around the perimeter to create enough drainage fall.

This design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.