concrete waffle beams bring light into vector architects' restaurant in china

situated in china‘s beidaihe new district, vector architects has designed ‘restaurant y sea‘, marking the completion of a series of buildings in the seaside location at the aranya community. positioned behind the ‘seashore library’, the latest intervention seeks to form a connection to the existing structures while also establishing a relaxed place for dining.

dusk view of the south elevation

image © chen hao / vector architects (main image © su shengliang / vector architects)

as opposed to the seashore library, which was designed by vector architects to maximize views out to sea, the restaurant instead focuses more on the interior spaces and making the seascape a mere visual backdrop. planned around a number of external courtyards, these semi-outdoor elements work to bring light, airflow and nature into the restaurant, resulting in a more introverted building.

interior view of the restaurant

image © su shengliang / vector architects

defined by the glazed lower level and heavy concrete slab above, the architectural expression of the restaurant appears as a sculptural canopy floating above an undulating landscape. almost hidden within the site, the building is peppered with trees, helping to blend the design into the surrounding woods and embed the new intervention into the site.

interior view of the restaurant

image © su shengliang / vector architects

there is no designated main entrance for the restaurant. instead, clear glass sliding doors are placed along the perimeter, which, when fully opened, cause the spatial boundary to disappear, turning the building into a ‘pavilion’. people can approach the dining space from any direction. they will firstly step into a transitional space with a lowered eave, and then gradually walk into the main dining area under a raised-up central roof, illuminated by immersive natural light.

a close-up of the waffle beams

image © su shengliang / vector architects

the interior of the restaurant is articulated by the use of concrete waffle beams that create a rich spatial experience thanks to the play of soft light and shadow. the exposed concrete material also brings a warm atmosphere to the restaurant, making visitors feel welcomed and relaxed. overall, thanks to thick, exposed concrete and natural light within the building, the design of ‘restaurant y sea’ creates an inviting, yet introverted place.