rusty red hues + marmoreal stone complete sculptural 'cocoon room' within lisbon restaurant

lisbon-based studio spacegram, was commissioned by the owners of ‘nómada chiado’ restaurant in lisbon, to design an experiential and uniquely immersive space. their brief involved the transformation of a barren, vault-like interior characterized by domed structures into an enveloping, warm and sophisticated dining atmosphere. the architects sought to generate three distinct yet complementary spaces through material articulation, textural richness, and bold sculptural landmarks.all images courtesy of francisco nogueira

throughout its interiors, ‘nómada chiado’ is defined by its rusty-red hues – inspired by the japanese shade known as aka, which denotes protection and celebration. natural materials including wood and marble proliferate throughout the spaces, with existing pine floorboards having been painted in a similar red color. marmoreal stone complements this minimal palette, combining earthy reds with white and grey veins. spacegram has custom-designed minimalist chairs — using velvet upholstery in vintage gold color, and round tables. the variety of texture across the distinct spaces is reflected in strategically positioned mirrors, each punctuating and elongating the restaurant’s unique internal journey.

the spaces united by a set of overall drivers: a feeling of warmth and welcome; a priority for comfort; and a discrete brand of luxury influenced by japanese minimalist design. the first main space, which is taken up by the restaurant’s entrance and bar, draws visitors in through a tunnel, revealing a soft glow of muted light, simulating the ambiance of a summer night. the tunnel leads to a cocktail bar and spiral staircase, each built from bespoke metal structures, with the staircase leading visitors to a lower dining level.

a naturally lit, dramatically vaulted sushi bar defines the second eating area. four tables occupy the linear space, in direct view of the restaurant’s sushi kitchen. a custom-designed and built neon light fixture hangs from the ceiling – an installation conceived as a collaboration between spacegram and ian yurisch. after sunset, its luminescent rods – as a nomadic boat wire-frame evoking the nomadic experience of traveling – emit a warm amber hue across the intimate room.

the restaurant’s signature space, known as the ‘cocoon room’, immerses visitors in an undulating, internal landscape of rippling forms and natural textures. the room is paneled throughout with woodwork produced by mtwoods. the panels have been designed using a generative pattern – their mechanically carved ripples having been inspired by aquatic and ethereal elements occurring in nature. paneled corners articulate as double-curved segments, each having been delicately veneered by hand. curved sofas accentuate the character of paneling, providing comfortable seating whilst adding to the intimate ambiance.

collectively, the panels coalesce to form an opening that frames the third space – one which holds an artwork representing nomadic travel by water across the globe. the sculpture – a vortex ceiling piece produced by artworks – emulates a constant, spiraling motion, capturing light and shadow as it moves in space. finally, a fourth room forms a cavernous, cozy private dining area with sight-lines into the larger cocoon room. echoing the textural and chromatic richness of the restaurant’s adjacent spaces, this room provides a comfortable, secluded zone for groups and special tasting events.

project info:

name: nomada chiado

designer: spacegram

woodwork: mtwoods

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom