Nozomi Restaurant, Saudi Arabia

Nozomi’s design brief for Forsite Creative was centered around creating a unique yet modernized interpretation of traditional Japanese interiors for an atmospheric night venue. Natural materials needed to sourced from the Far East to create an authentic environment and marriage between stone, metal and wood work for nature defying elements that challenge the senses and laws of gravity.

The low-ceilinged space proved to be challenging in both conceptual development and execution. Creating nature defying features such as mammoth stone walls while structurally reenforcing the foundations of the building and river ceilings with floating lanterns without looking gimmicky was a mission for designers and contractors. Sourcing raw materials from the east and finding unique ways to illuminate was the second challenge.

A softly illuminated molten metallic river ceiling inspired by ancient Japanese traditions starts the guest’s arrival journey. Large stone blocks wrap around the lounge alluding to mountainous regions in Japan with sunray like structures penetrating raw stone bar onto the floor. The main dining area itself is clad in warm teak & reclaimed wood further engulfed by golden metallic light columns prompting an illusions interchanging up from down.