4 minute read
Material World
Hgld lighting design has brought a restrained theatricality with light and shadow to a new restaurant in Zhengzhou, China
A refurbishment of the popular Kylin Sheng in Zhengzhou, China has seen Hgld lighting design collaborate with interior practice Daxiang Design Studio to create a space where the materiality is amplified and articulated by a restrained and sophisticated lighting treatment.
The concept for the 1,550 square metre eaterie is a blend of Zen garden and a club atmosphere but it’s the contrasting materiality that takes centre stage.
Dark grey natural stone, various gold tones and orange accents determine the atmosphere.
In addition to the contrasting colours, the design is characterised by fine ornamentation. Inspiration was taken from the colours of the sunset, which appears on digital screens as soon as you enter the restaurant and reflects on the black flooring. Guests can dine in peace on armchairs and sofas covered in beige leather and watch the cooking in the kitchen in the background - over the counter.
The clients say that diners crave a certain spirituality along with their meal and the interior is designed to provide that. The lighting is designed to complement it and deliver a ‘poetic interplay’ of light and shadow.
The name 'Kylin' refers to an animal from The Classic of Mountains and Seas which the Chinese consider auspicious.
On entering the restaurant, the reciprocal light and shadow creates an immersive experience. Stark contrasts take centre stage, beginning in the hallway.
In this dimly lit space, a colossal cloud formation captivates visual attention, while warm, gentle lighting permeates through the narrow corridor.
Together, clouds and light set the tone for the entire atmosphere. Two kylin sculptures are strategically placed in the hallway to not only pay homage to so-called etiquette culture, but also to serve as a guide for visitor navigation throughout their journey.
By depicting dynamic clouds, from inception to dissipation within scattered areas, the design showcases nature's essence. while transforming intangible elements into tangible structures evoking imagery of rising clouds. Additionally, garden framing techniques are employed on functional windows to further enhance aesthetics.
Daxiang Design Studio, led by acclaimed designer Jianyu Jiang, incorporates the five-petaled plum blossom as a fundamental motif, generating framed landscapes, lamps, utensils, tableware, and floor coverings, along with other installations that harmonise in terms of spatial layout and furnishings.
These installations materialise unforeseeable elements, thereby concluding the space poetically, while perpetuating the ambiance.
The rest area exudes a warm autumn atmosphere through the use of dark grey natural textured stone, a wooden tea table, vermilion cloth tea stools adorned with decorative paintings depicting rosy sunrises, and an accompanying flickering fire within the stove.
In Hgld lighting design’s hands, a huge fish tank above the kitchen area becomes a dynamic blue lantern, while the busy chefs below are lit with dramatic spotlights. The cool lighting here contrasts with the 2400K recessed flexible LED in the edges of the ceiling recesses.
Ultra low glare downlights in cool white light highlight the centre of the tables while ambient light and more textural contrast is provided by wall-mounted lamps in soft fabrics.
Furthermore, the outdoor resting platform seamlessly connects to the secondary entrance. As night descends, plum blossom motifs and arc elements outline both light sources and scenery alike, enabling individuals to embrace the cold autumn without fear by basking in the radiance emitted by stars and moonlight. ■
PROJECT CREDITS
Project name: Kylin Sheng Restaurant, Zhengzhou, China
Lighting design: Hgld lighting design
Interior design: Daxiang Design Studio
Photographs: 404NF Studio, Fang Wenchen
