FUTAMI | KOBFUJI Architects Yoshihide Kobanawa + Kaoru Kobanawa /小塙芳秀+小塙香

In the interior design of a Japanese restaurant situated in the Barcelona’s centre, we wanted to create a space related to the new concept of fusion cuisine - the Japanese traditional way of cooking with Mediterranean ingredients.

While designing the space, we concentrated more in the area around the sushi counter, so that the clients can enjoy eating while watching the Itimae’s (sushi chef) techniques from the counter.

We have installed 6m wide wooden panels on the wall behind the counter. On both sides of the dining room, lower panels were also mounted on the walls.

 The material chosen for the wall was birch plywood whose surface has been processed with High Pressure Laminate by Formica. To engrave the original design on the face of these panels, we used the most advanced CAD/CAM production system technology by Mediodesign studio. The digital file of the 3D design was sent to the CNC cutting machine. Thanks to the precise work based on the experience of the Mediodesign studio, the panel was completed to perfection.

Normally, plywood is known for its resistance and low-cost. However, after engraving the panels with the CNC cutting machine, the beautiful layering and material expression of the wood was revealed.

Working with a pattern on a 120cm panel module allowed us to reduce the production costs. Moreover, to avoid repetition of the pattern on the wall, the panel manufacturer adjusted the width and depth of the drill, looking for expressiveness, in an aleatory and sequenced manner. All of the furniture for the restaurant like the wardrobe, the shelves and the electric box are made of the same HPL panel material.

We started designing with an image of a soft curve in our minds, an image that comes from the quiet waves of the Seto Inland Sea (hometown of the owners) and of the Mediterranean Sea, and moreover, comes from an idea of transition of nature. We looked for an abstract design idea that allows for a free interpretation and does not tire after repetitive viewings.

 Barcelona is a melting pot of races. Strangely enough, the ways that people from different cultures interpret this abstract design are always different, but all describe images related to Japan. For example, leaves moving in the wind, rain, the soft breeze, a sharp sword, the bamboo forest, the sunrise, etc.

In Barcelona, where citizens are highly aware of architecture, it is a pleasure to know that now this image will be extended with the creation of the future cuisine.