Located in Colonia La Cacho, in Tijuana Mexico,  an up-in-coming mixed use community which is known for its trend setting restaurants the project consisted of converting a 18 Square Meter existing hole-in-the-wall Coffee Shop into a in-dining Ramen Bar.

Our design was inspired by the Chef’s passion for smoke cooking, in Japanese Kemuri means smoke. Thus, we used another Japanese tradition, Shou Sugi Ban Siding (charred wood) to reflect the essence of the food, while creating a moody atmosphere that highlights the food and nothing else.

When designing restaurants, we find that experience, second to the food, is critical to a successful restaurant venture. We aimed to create a space that could directly transport patrons from the middle of Tijuana, Mexico into Japan. We achieve this through the use of Materials that are authentic, full of character, and tradition such as the Shou Sugi Ban Siding, the Cypress Butcher Block Bar, the Cobble Stone Flooring, a Cypress Bench, and Concrete Pendants.

The Shou Sugi Ban Siding juxtaposes the existing building, creating a wonderful contrast. The facade gently conquers its surroundings and creates a noticeable language for nearby residents to stumble into a piece of Japan in their community.   The Shou Sugi Ban Siding was reclaimed from a near by abandoned warehouse, it was charged with a deep burn in order to create a resilient material that is durable, requires very little maintenance, is pest proof, fire resistant, and weatherproof.

The Bar made entirely from Cedar, is a Full height Monolithic Butcher Block Bar that was digitally fabricated to create a comfortable seamless seating area that contrasts the rest of the space, highlighting the most important element, the food.  Like the traditional Ramen Bars in Japan, our space plan creates a direct connection with the Chef, making an immersive and intimate dining experience.

Other features include locally sourced Cobble Stone Flooring, which is reminiscent of older streets in Japan.   In the waiting area, the traditional design cypress bench contrasts the Shou Sugi Ban Siding to create an elegant facade .  The pendants, made from concrete and rope, provide a rustic yet comfortable accent.