various associates designs a farm-to-table restaurant in shenzhen

located in the futian district of shenzhen, various associates has carefully crafted the interior of ‘voisin organique restaurant & lounge’. the farm-to-table fine dining experience, which features contemporary chinese cuisine, uses ingredients grown in its own ECOCERT-certified farm. the design of the interiors therefore draw on these organic themes and classic aesthetics to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

all images © shao feng

the program of voisin organique comprises a lounge, a fine dining area and a 110 m2 kitchen. from the outside, the restaurant is articulated by a towering bronze façade, which helps to block out the glaring sunlight, while the row of bespoke convex lenses triggers the curiosity of passersby. inside, various associates has combined the space’s existing height difference with corners and dark areas to realize the restaurant’s brand concept and its pursuit of a natural environment. the resulting concept story is described as having a ‘picnic in valleys’.

to further this idea of ‘wandering in the valleys’, the interior brings patrons down into a low space, which is articulated by a sequence of low to high ceilings. these towering skylights flood the dimly-lit interior with slices of diffused natural light, creating an interesting play of light and shadows and a distinctive ambience.

from ceilings to walls, large areas of the interior surfaces are finished with matte silver foil. it diffuses light throughout the space and reflects dim human figures, making people feel like they are in the mist. in the lounge, the silver material, the light red hue and the soft light that falls from above are perfectly fused together. in this way, various associates hopes to provide people with a fabulous experience of drinking in a ‘valley’ awash with a gentle breeze, mist and the glow of sunset.

the passageway from the entrance is filled with a sense of rituality and mystery. walking deep along the passage with light, people will encounter a hidden space. the space concealed behind the corner is gloomy, which serves as fine dining area. punctured by a tall rooflight, people would feel as if they are exploring in a primitive hill.

slowly stepping into this space and turning around, a dark red concave ceiling leaps to the eye, which seems to bring people beneath a red mine pit. within the fine dining area, different elements including the deep red ceiling, rough wall surfaces, pure black furniture and transparent glasses are interwoven together, which renders the space classy and endows it with a sense of occasion.

in the dark hue-dominated space, the striking red collides with candle flames and black materials, generating unique sensory experiences. the deep darkness and the white light produce a rustic yet luxurious ambience, which contributes to creating an extreme experience in the fine dining area. complemented by the brownish red ceiling, cold light shines downwards from the holes and gaps on the top, injecting pureness and beauty into the interior. the black and rough texture of paint strengthens the primitive and rustic atmosphere, while the white light on the corner adds a sort of natural ambience to the space.

project info:

project name: voisin organique restaurant & lounge

location: s209, l2 floor, upper hills, futian district, shenzhen, china

completion: november, 2019

design team: various associates

project leader: qianyi lin

main designer: dongzi yang

designers: suki, jingjing tang

photography: shao feng

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom