An “inverted psychedelic cabin” offered Canadian studio Frank Structure’s design narrative for this informal Japanese bar and restaurant in Banff, Alberta.
Situated within the mountains of Alberta, Hiya Sunshine affords barbecue, sushi and karaoke in a retro-influenced area by Frank Structure.
The group imagined an alternate actuality the place Japanese graphic designer Tadanori Yokoo ventured into the mountains and hid in a cabin for years, and primarily based the interiors on what may need been the consequence.
“Taking cues from the unlikely juxtaposition of Japanese psychedelia with spaghetti western and mountain lodge, Hiya Sunshine is daring, playful and distinct,” mentioned Frank Structure, which has an workplace in Banff.
The restaurant is positioned in the course of the city, which is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers and winter sports activities fans, and is designed to supply a way of discovery.
“The spatial planning is supposed to seem natural and meandering,” the group mentioned. “Upon entry, the restaurant just isn’t instantly seen, however is slowly revealed as one strikes by means of the area.”
The restaurant occupies a tall open area lined virtually fully in wooden, with the rounded bar positioned on the again and quite a lot of desk seating choices scattered round.
Diners can select between communal, four-top benches, cubicles, bar stools or sit at certainly one of two particular tables.
This pair of enormous round counters each have a raised fireside of their heart under fluid formed chimneys clad in shiny, glazed ceramic tiles.
Japanese design components akin to paper lanterns and textile paintings suspended from the ceiling are mixed with mountain tropes akin to plaid curtains, uncovered stone and plenty of wooden.
Blue velvet material is used to cowl the banquettes, whereas the cabin seats are hidden in an alcove fashioned by sloping partitions coated with wood shingles.
Within the hidden karaoke rooms on the again, patterned carpet, lava lamps and disco balls add colour and sparkle to the wood-panelled areas.
There’s additionally a hidden tiny bar primarily based on those that crowd the alleys of Golden Gai in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
“The result’s a daring and encapsulating area that surprises and delights visitors with surprising moments and distinctive fashion,” mentioned the group.
This is not Frank Structure’s solely Japanese restaurant – the studio additionally created an intimate setting for the Lonely Mouth noodle bar in its different hometown, Calgary.
For an additional location within the Western Canadian metropolis, the group drew inspiration from writer Truman Capote to create a 1960s environment at Main Tom, on the 40th ground of a downtown skyscraper.
Images is by Chris Amat.