Aka Honn: A Zen Oasis in the Heart of the City

Japanese Charcoal Grill Store Redefines Urban Dining Experience

The uniqueness of Aka Honn lies in its innovative use of space and lighting. By closing the windows and building a new central patio, the designers have created a serene, natural space atmosphere filled with Japanese zen temperament. This is further enhanced by the use of natural materials such as stone and wood in the interior decoration, providing a natural and comfortable feeling for the clients.

The design process involved a careful consideration of Japanese culture. The space is mostly semi-closed, with the flow integrated and divided into several functional areas. The interior patio serves as the central hub, around which dining space, private rooms, and bars are naturally distributed. The air exhaust system of the grill is cleverly introduced into the overhead floor of the Japanese building, with the soot discharged through the lower air exhaust system.

The project, located in downtown Chongqing, China, covers an interior area of 400 square meters, accommodating 120 meals and 15 bar seats. The kitchen area spans 100 square meters. The design cycle started in January 2019 and was completed by July 2019.

The designers faced the challenge of creating a quiet and natural atmosphere of Japanese style in a commercial space located in the downtown area. By closing the outdoor space and reconstructing the space structure with the atrium patio as the core, they successfully created a sense of space privacy and a unique zen space atmosphere. The design elements of Japanese style were fully adopted, resulting in a unique dining experience that conveys the cultural connotation of the restaurant.

For its innovative design and unique ambiance, Aka Honn was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to the designers' ability to transform a challenging space into a serene oasis in the heart of the city.