Alongside Nobu Matsuhisa and the ownership team, R+B set out to create a space that continues to evolve the concept of the Matsuhisa culture. Reflecting on their Japanese travel experience, R+B Principals created a clear design concept that is centered on traditional Japanese culture: thoughtful, unique, humble and purposeful. The dining experience is elevated with exquisitely detailed materials of a muted, natural palette.
Reclaimed Indonesian teak unifies the design as the floor, many walls, ceilings, bar and millwork were all custom crafted from the same material. The sliding partition walls are also teak with resin panels that have a compelling story of their own; trimmings of prayer paper that is made by monks in the Himalayas is pressed in the resin. The paper is handmade from shrubs indigenous to the area.
Since the site is oriented on the corner of a busy intersection, it was important to focus the guest experience internally. We did this by cloaking the windows in a custom designed wood screen system. The pattern is inspired by the traditional Japanese Asanoha, or hemp leaf, pattern. It is layered to create visual texture and becomes more open at the top, allowing for a glimpse of Colorado’s bluebird sky during the day.