Hiyama: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Alvan Suen's Award-Winning Restaurant Design Inspired by Japanese Aesthetics

The inspiration for Hiyama's design stems from traditional Japanese houses, gardens, and the concept of "Zen". Elements such as verandas, tatami mats, pavilions, bamboo, and spatial arrangements are all meticulously incorporated into the design. The result is a luxurious dining experience that transports patrons to a traditional Japanese mansion, despite being located in a shopping mall.

Hiyama stands out for its unique interpretation of the brand’s history and social status. The restaurant is designed to emulate the mansion of the Murakami family, the owners of the Hiyama brand, which has a rich history spanning 100 years in Japan. The dining areas are conceived as different houses of the family, creating a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. The design also features a bamboo path with mist, enhancing the feeling of dining in an outdoor Japanese garden.

The restaurant's construction posed unique challenges, primarily due to the mall's ceiling restrictions. To overcome this, each dining area was built as an individual structure with beams and columns, akin to a house. This innovative solution not only adhered to the mall's regulations but also reinforced the concept of a traditional Japanese house.

Hiyama's design also incorporates advanced technology. For instance, the "Zen" round mirror with a ripple-like feature wall was prefabricated in two pieces using CNC technology. The restaurant also uses a continuous LED false ceiling to create a realistic daylight effect, contributing to the overall ambiance. The design drawings, including the E&M, were generated by BIM software from the 3D model, showcasing the integration of modern technology in the design process.

The design of Hiyama is not only visually stunning but also functional. The restaurant features a welcome bar, a bamboo path, varied dining areas, a pavilion, a main hall, and a private VIP room. Each space is designed to cater to different groups of people, offering a flexible and adaptable dining experience. The design also facilitates an interesting spatial interaction between the outside and the inside, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for the guests.

In conclusion, Alvan Suen's design for Hiyama is a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation. It showcases how thoughtful design can create a unique dining experience, transporting patrons to a different world while staying rooted in the brand's rich history. It is no surprise that such a design has been recognized with a prestigious award, setting a high standard for future restaurant designs.