07BEACH designs sushi restaurant in ho chi minh city

07BEACH designs sushi restaurant in ho chi minh city
all images © hiroyuki oki

the enjoyment of sushi is broken in to two discernible halves. first, obviously, is the actual eating of the sushi; its tastes, textures, and bold colors. secondly, and arguably just as important, is the preparation of the meal. joe chikamori, principle architect at 07BEACH, was commissioned to complete a sushi restaurant representative of these views.

the restaurant is tucked away in an alley in ho chi minh city, vietnam 

a design plan was built focusing on satisfaction, quality, and above all else, a clear view of the master chef’s workspace. the main building is a renovation, building from the previously existing site. to begin, chikamori removed the structure’s second story and extended the ceilings to the full extent allowed. the added height gives a feeling of elegance and luxury, furthered by the room’s spare furnishings. inside there are eight unique stone chairs, and a counter–a bathroom and kitchen are also present–nothing more, nothing less. behind the eating counter is an undulating, cypress-tile wall that takes the form of fish-scales, increasing the room’s sensual experience. 

the chef is the restaurant’s focal point, a muted color palette was chosen to accentuate him further

next to the main dining space is a small pond. beyond, is a cantilevered annex that functions as an exclusive eating area. the room can be seen, but not accessed from the restaurant, giving it a feeling of value but not approachability. diners of the annex have their own private entrance and bathroom, and food is delivered via a small service bridge across the pond. a metal louvre blocks view from the two rooms, ensuring privacy and a comfortable eating experience for both parties. chikamori used only local materials and building techniques, creating a high-quality space with a distinctly vietnamese feel.

the  main dining room holds eight unique stone chairs

scale-like cypress tiles

steel lattice with tempered and figured glass 

 
annex entrance

annex dining room 

a cantilevered floor makes the private room seem like its floating in space

private seating area detached from main building

a suspended louver above the pond blocks sight from the annex and main dining areas

façade at night 

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