In line with the concept, each dining hall obtains its own particular ambience from partially custom-made furniture, lighting and installation. The wood hall opens towards the main plaza of Fengsheng Li, where sunlight shines through the trees onto the brick walls. In the center of Charcohol is the main black hall, the most intimate and cosy area in the whole space.
The rough texture of the black walls and floors reflects light differently throughout the day, creating a changing ambience.
At the cross of the time and the temperature axes, above the bar, a giant installation of fanned palm leaves arranged by Studio8 hangs underneath the reflective stainless steel dome, celebrating the banquet of food and drink. Along the time axis in the ash area, another installation made of banana leaves and eucalyptus seeds hangs like a bouquet chandelier, representing renewal from ash.
Considering that the restaurant occupies a historic house in the centre of Shanghai, the renovation demands a respectful attitude towards the architectural heritage. Therefore, special details were developed to connect the new facade elements and the old structure.
The newly added steel and glass structure is completely detached from the original building, and a system of special wall washer lighting highlights the beauty of the architecture, giving it the quality of a museum.
Charcohol also has an outdoor seating area, which carries on the design of the ash area and is an extension of the temperature axis. The main feature here is the glass room, where guests can enjoy freshly baked food from the nearby brick stove. The garden also has a mix of aromatic flowers and herbs, some of which are used in the kitchen.
Credit list
Project name
Charcohol Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Design team
Shirley Dong, Andrea Maira
Brands
Bentu, Lost&Found, Ziin, Zaozuo, Zara Home, Aytm, Puebco, Mosa
Materials
Wood, Corten steel, stainless steel, concrete, tiles, copper, brass
Construction company
Shanghai Tuoqi Construction and Decoration
23 Feb, 2020