Located in the foot of Shiroyama, “Sanei” is a Kappo-restaurant established in 1933. The restaurant is a 45year old wooden building which was built before it was inherited by the son of the founder. This project started at the timing when the restaurant was going to be passed down to the third generation, the daughter of the current owner the wakaokami (proprietress-to-be). As the first stage of the renovation procedure, the kitchen, the restrooms, and the main counter space was re-designed.
The main focus of the first phase of this project was the back wall of the the counter space where the wakaokami will host her guests. Our plan was to design a frame that inherited the form of the exterior into the interior, and to create a new “L” shaped wall behind this counter. The color chosen for the concrete was a subtle purple similar to the flower of a wisteria, a color that was loved by the first okami (proprietress). The hammered wall created an uneven surface giving depth while dropping shadows. The thick counter top is a solid one-piece ginkgo wood, which was originally situated by the predecessor. Other than slight changes in size, this counter top was kept as it was and re-used. The Formosan cypress materials which were originally used for the ceilings were also re-used in its original usage. On the other hand, we have included the lights and AC facilities into the wickerwork finished ceiling portion running above the counter. This lowered volume enabled us to portray a stately, serene impression, while the chairs in an asymmetric form with one arm rest, were carefully designed structure wise to maintain a presence and to fit the atmosphere simultaneously. Instead of finishing the project at once with an entirely new look, we are aiming for a phased plan that reflect the atmosphere and elements that were passed down from generation to generation, and to gradually add new elements for the successor.
Client: Kappou Sanei
Type of Project: Interior
Use: Japanese restaurant
Period: Feb 2019 – Oct 2019
Floor Area: 62.56m2 (renovated area)
Location: Kagoshima, Japan
Design: Koichi Futatsumata, Koichi Shimohira, Sanae Furusato(CASE-REAL)
Construction: G-tech
Lighting Plan: BRANCH LIGHTING DESIGN (Tatsuki Nakamura)
Manufacture of furniture: E&Y
Photo: Hiroshi Mizusaki