andré fu conceives a bamboo restaurant in china influenced by local fishing villages

influenced by the charms of a traditional hainan fishing village, andré fu has revealed his design for ‘yu cun’, a bamboo-clad restaurant sitting on the edge of a lagoon in china’s haitang bay. located directly beside the water, the development is the principle dining establishment of the grand hyatt hotel and specializes in a number of local cuisines and delicacies.

the restaurant is influenced by the charms of a traditional hainan fishing village

in his design, andré fu aimed to create a culinary establishment that was ‘ethnic in spirit, yet contemporary in experience’. drawing extensively from local chinese architecture, the building is defined by its bamboo-clad structure and is accessed by guests via a series of slate paved wooden bridges that cross the nearby water. structurally, the building is supported by a vast interlocking timber scaffold, spiritually akin to the bamboo frames of traditional fishing huts. the interior is comprised of three private dining rooms and eight private pavilions, each taking its aesthetic cue from the traditional floating homes of the local ‘dan’ culture.

in his design, andré fu aimed to create an experience that was ‘ethnic in spirit, yet contemporary in experience’

the interior palette is intended to support a casual dining experience that is simultaneously both refined and relaxed. deep, earthy oranges, plum and sand tones appear throughout in a nod to local traditions, while textiles follow a palette of beige, marble and smoked oak. upon entering the restaurant, the intended impression is of visiting a local dan family, sitting down to share the catch of the day.

straw-woven pendants and bespoke rock glass lighting decorate the various dining areas

straw-woven pendants and bespoke rock glass lighting decorate the various dining areas, with classical chinese cabinets with traditional ornamentation lining the walls. exposed lightbulbs lend a contemporary, industrial touch to what is otherwise a rustic and regal aesthetic. with each pavilion hugging the edge of the lagoon, large floor to ceiling windows open out onto the water, offering atmospheric views of the surrounding landscape. diners can look forward to a diverse selection of local cuisines and chinese delicacies; the menu features classic shanghainese appetizers and cantonese, dongbei and sichuan main dishes.

bamboo is used extensively throughout the design

classical cabinets line the walls of the restaurant

exposed lightbulbs lend a contemporary, industrial feel

the cabinets are decorated with traditional chinese features