STUDIO DOHO captures the vibrancy of Peru with its latest project, Colca. A renovated lane house block in the heart of Shanghai’s Former French Concession serves as the location for the 450 sqm Peruvian restaurant. Named after Peru’s famous Colca Canyon, the restaurant blends hints of local patterns, textures and colors into modern Shanghai.
Stairs leading up from a pedestrian walkway below define the entrance to Colca. Hints of green mosaic tiles and reclaimed wood stairs direct guests to the upstairs terrace, which serves as the heart of the project. The overall layout is based around an open-air dining terrace, which connects the Latin-inspired cocktail bar and a private dining area. Colorful lounge seating and textured stone pavers link the interior bar and exterior patio to create a fluid space when façade doors are opened. An illuminated mosaic water feature wall completes ambiance at the terrace.
An illuminated backdrop of color changing lights create a kinetic ambiance at the bar and serves a backdrop for specialty bottles of Pisco, Peru’s national spirit. A constant blue light at bar front reflects against mosaic tiles to define the stylish cocktail bar area. Multicolored furniture and wire-framed light fixtures accent the space and connect to the reception area.
Flexibility was a key requirement in the main dining room to allow private spaces for special events. The designers used old wooden doors found in a Shanghai market to create a space that can be closed into a private event area. Additional wooden doors were repurposed into the parquet wood floor in the space. Custom glass and metal sliding screens were designed for the main dining room to further provide flexibility.
Maintaining high ceilings and exposed beams in the main dining was a priority for the designers. This was achieved by creating an asymmetric blue stucco wall that runs the entire length of the room and provides space to conceal the all required MEP equipment. The shape of the wall creates a non-symmetrical space which reflects the eccentric and intimate nature of the project.
Topography lines of Colca Canyon were used to create an illuminated feature wall in the dining, highlighted with an Incan symbol of an Andean condor, further reference Peruvian culture. A dedicated wine bar in the dining room provides a special place for wine tasting.
Credits:
Client: Colca
Interior Design: STUDIO DOHO
Lead Designers: Xin Dogterom
Jason Holland
Graphic Design: Marianne Kaulima
Photography: M2STUDIO
Completed: May 2017