Sakura No Aji: A Harmony of Architecture and Nature

Japanese Restaurant Design by Taizhou Tao Wins Prestigious A' Design Award

In the heart of a cultural park in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, a unique Japanese restaurant, Sakura No Aji, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of architecture and nature. Designed by Taizhou Tao, this innovative project has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019.

The design inspiration for Sakura No Aji draws from the tranquility of Japanese folk houses. Arranged continuously in the woods, the buildings are displayed in a before-and-after, high-and-low pattern. The use of pure pine and wood colors for the walls and tiles encapsulates the spirit of cleanliness, tranquility, and health that the designer aimed to express.

What sets Sakura No Aji apart is its unique location and the designer's intent to seamlessly integrate the structure into its natural environment. The restaurant is situated adjacent to a fence, surrounded by trees, with a fertile farmland within sight. The goal was to make it appear as if the building had naturally grown in this location.

The realization of this design involved meticulous planning and environmental consideration. Each tree and cableway was accurately positioned, and the orientation of sunlight was observed and recorded to determine the best orientation for the thin film solar device. The building was designed to strictly avoid every sapling, minimizing environmental damage.

The technical specifications of the design further emphasize its eco-friendly nature. The first floor of the building is parallel to the road surface, connected to the interior by a wooden trestle road. The building utilizes photovoltaic power supply and all-air energy to regulate internal air quality and temperature, striving to achieve emission purification.

The interior of Sakura No Aji is devoid of paint and lacquer products, showcasing the simple elegance of pine. The entire house is adorned with tatami, providing a soft touch and creating a quiet, clean, and healthy ambiance. The space pattern can be adjusted to meet the needs of various dining experiences, from romantic dates to family dinners.

The project, which started in November 2017 and finished in February 2018, faced challenges such as waterproofing. These were overcome using light body material and stainless steel technology, eliminating pollution caused by cement river sand. This not only simplified the process but also shortened the time limit.

In conclusion, Sakura No Aji is a remarkable example of innovative design that merges architecture with nature. It is a testament to Taizhou Tao's ability to create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious. This project serves as an inspiration for future designs that strive to harmoniously blend built environments with their natural surroundings.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Taizhou Tao
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Qiang Dou, Appearance, 2018. Image #2: Photographer Qiang Dou, Private Room, 2018. Image #3: Photographer Qiang Dou, Open Kitchen, 2018. Image #4: Photographer Qiang Dou, Corridor, 2018. Image #5: Photographer Qiang Dou, Smoking Area, 2018.
Project Team Members: Chief Designer: Taizhou Tao Project Designer: Ying Jiang Project Designer: Yu Xiao Lighting designer: Tao Xiao
Project Name: Sakura No Aji
Project Client: Taizhou Tao


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