Beest
Located in the heart of one of downtown Vancouver’s ramen hotspots, Beest serves a unique soupless ramen topped with slices of rare roast beef. The interior space reflects this fusion experience of east meets west, with clean modern lines with hints of Japanese culture shown through the use of materials, detailing, rhythm and proportions of the space. We wanted to create a unabashedly raw and dark space, setting up a cavelike primal experience of eating meat, pronouncing the pink of the roast beef slices and golden marinated noodles against the raw backdrop.
The entry's low-hanging wood trellis compresses space, strategically concealing services and guiding focus inward. Beyond the trellis, the area dramatically expands, featuring exposed structural finishes, an ascending rhythmic display wall, shifting sound baffles, and a gracefully extending bonsai tree that interplays with street views.
Two prominent elements define the semi-outdoor ambiance: the central yatai-style open kitchen resembling a night market stand, and the distant koushi wood screen display wall. Both contribute to a layered effect, gently radiating in the dimly lit surroundings. They skillfully evoke a sense of depth in the confined area by hinting at a hidden expanse.
Integrating traditional Japanese elements, such as the tabletop tsuboniwa, chigai-dana wood shelf, golden crest emblems, and custom armor pieces, immerses you in the atmosphere of the feudal Azuchi Momoyama era. This significant period, characterized by conflict as well as the emergence of ceremonial rituals like the Japanese tea ceremony, fostered extraordinary achievements in architecture, art, and design.
Beest
Vancouver, BC
Location
Restaurant
Industry
Beest
2023
Year
Client