About the project
Matagi is a contemporary dining destination set within the Emerald Palace Kempinski. Designed by Atelier EPJ, Matagi was envisioned as a journey from the palatial European feel of a hotel into a warm and atmospheric, Asian-themed ambience, drawing influence from the vernacular far-eastern cultures.
The guest experience begins at the entrance foyer that transitions from the gold-crafted hotel lobby. The foyer is lined with intricately carved Balinese timber panels, complemented with a heavy metal door created by artist John Underwood, welcoming guests into the dining space and hinting at the Asian realm that unfolds beyond.
The journey stretches into the dining area with a glazed show kitchen on one side and a vibrant cocktail bar on the other. The bar forms a special nucleus that naturally radiates its energy into the adjacent dining spaces. The bar front is crafted through Japanese assembly principles contrasted with a solid, natural trembesi timber top. The glazed show kitchen not only serves as an added theatrical experience, but also dramatises the visual exploration of tastes and textures present in Pan-Asian regions. The subliminal use of ’88’ to define core elements (from counter heights to passage widths) is a subconscious reference to luck in east Asian culture.
The surrounding spaces are presented with rich surfaces sourced from various Asian cultures that speak their individual character, yet maintain harmony with the overall ensemble. The walls in the adjacent dining area are covered with dark ceramic tiles embellished with ensō symbols, a literal Japanese expression of elegance and simplicity. The floor at the main bar area is layered with dark pigments of handmade, encaustic, concrete tiles together with brushed timber planks stretching into rest of the space. The dark meshed ceiling grid background allows for an artful installation of suspended hand-carved teak timber panels seemingly floating in space. The monochromatic elements are juxtaposed with pops of bright amber and subtle blue tones of leather upholstered onto Wegner-styled chairs. A bespoke bamboo-inspired ceramic chandelier centered above the communal table emits a warm shimmer that adds to the visual experience while the overall lighting subtly pronounces the architectural elements. The cultural references are further accentuated with quirky Asian figurines and artworks propped-up randomly across alcoves and glass shelvings.
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