Conran and Partners has reimagined the popular FEAST restaurant which sits within Hong Kong’s EAST Hotel. The aspiration for FEAST was to create a new dining experience but also provide a space where guests and visitors can work, meet and relax. The design seeks to create a journey as guests move through the elegant, linear space which has been layered into a series of subtly linked zones. The bespoke curation of materials supports and enhances a sense of transition – in particular a timber-slatted wall which gradually shifts from lightly-limed oak in Domain, the café area, to a more dramatic black-stained finish in FEAST, the dining area. This shifting tonality is echoed by the overall choice of materials throughout the space, from light and airy pastels complemented by terrazzo counters and concrete flooring with a fine brass inlay, to a much richer, darker palette for the dining spaces. The redesign also features a variety of seating styles from informal to intimate; the new Domain workspace includes private working booths, one-to-one seating, informal meeting spaces and shared tables for co-working. The design approach is contemporary yet inviting, layered with colour and playful elements. In contrast, FEAST, the bustling eatery at the far end of the space, adopts a richer, warmer palette with vibrant earthy tones and more luxurious materials. To counteract the spatial drama of the atrium, we have created more intimate dining spaces, with an open kitchen providing a lively visual focal point for diners. The space was previously lacking a strong identity, so our design has sought to present visitors with an authentic and memorable experience. The new concept combines a contemporary aesthetic with a subtle Eastern influence, layered with charm and playfulness to instil a sense of place whilst appealing to both local and international visitors. From the bespoke fortune cookie light pendants to the luxurious dark green marble, every aspect of the design seeks to cement the project in its location. The overall design is both sophisticated and inclusive and features the contemporary yet inviting and playful Domain space with a variety of seating for flexible working and FEAST, the bustling eatery with a richer, more sophisticated and intimate palette. EAST Hong Kong is known for its distinctive artwork and the new restaurant integrates the now iconic FEAST Butterflies which were part of the original space. Artist Jayne Dyer was commissioned to recolour and rearrange her butterflies in the new space (curated by art consultant Alison Pickett), ensuring continuity with a subtle new twist. We have used light and texture to create a subtly changing enfilade of spaces. While seeking to offer contrasting zones of activity, our overall concept has been to create a unified and seamlessly connected design, maximising the floor plate which previously underutilised. The journey to the restaurant area culminates in a newly-created private dining room with sliding glazed doors that can be used either as part of the restaurant or separated for dining or private meetings to complete the multi-faceted offer of the new space. The client’s brief was to both reinvigorate the space, making it a destination restaurant but also introduce the Domain concept. It was crucial that the two zones had unique and distinguishable but complimentary identities, with a well-considered journey through the space. Jennifer Cheung, General Manager of EAST Hong Kong said: “Conran and Partners’ sophisticated design approach exactly suits the brief. Their ingenious design concept perfectly reflects the ever-changing requirements of our guests and travellers from different parts of the world.” Another key requirement was for the space to support the new extended food and beverage offering. The design therefore includes a casual grab-and-go café with a barista coffee station and bakery within the Domain, a patisserie display, and a large open kitchen to project a playful sense of drama. Additional character is offered by generous glazing along the entire perimeter and dramatic shifts in ceiling heights. Within the Domain space, these design presents a feeling of openness and accessibility, suited to working, meeting or casual dining. However a key challenge when designing the FEAST restaurant spaces, was therefore to counteract with this volumetric drama, creating intimacy and warmth. We have applied a rich and luxurious palette to these more formal dining spaces to contrast with the softer palette of the Domain, shifting the tone and atmosphere from open to intimate. The EAST Hong Kong is strongly committed to sustainability and is currently working towards reducing water intensity by 8%, cutting guests electricity usage by 15% and achieving a waste diversion rate of 28% by 2025. In order to meet these ambitious targets, it was vital that sustainability was greatly considered when designing the new FEAST. We have mindfully to sourced materials locally and sustainably where possible to minimise the carbon associated with shipping materials overseas. The design incorporates materials and furniture pieces which have been selected for their durability and ability to withstand prolonged use. Within the new space, LED lighting (which is up to 80% more energy efficient than conventional bulbs) has been used where possible to conserve energy and lower emissions. The green kitchen comprises a food waste recycling machine which decomposes waste into liquid to save additional waste going into landfill. In addition water taps have been fitted with flow regulator valves to improve efficiency and a power analyser has been installed to help monitor energy usage.