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CONGLONG
CONGLONG
Nanjing, China
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Other Projects by STUDIO8 ARCHITECTS
CONGLONG
Nanjing, China
Lush Greenery Restaurant | ‘CONGLONG’ Restaurant
"CONGLONG" is a premium wagyu hot pot restaurant located in the heart of the historical and cultural district of Yihe Road in Nanjing’s Gulou District. Nanjing is not only rich in historical heritage, but its streets are also filled with abundant natural vegetation, full of vitality. During studio 8’s first visit to the site, we were captivated by the century-old trees lining the street. Their lush canopies and moss-covered branches created a dynamic, life-filled atmosphere. This distinctive street scene inspired the name "葱茏" (Conglong), which refers to flourishing greenery and also symbolizes prosperity and thriving. The design draws inspiration from the surrounding environment, incorporating its unique characteristics into the restaurant’s spatial concept.
The restaurant spans two independent buildings at the end of a park. Building 1 is a historical villa dating back to the 1930s, while Building 2, situated just a meter apart, was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. To emphasize the dual nature of the site, the buildings were named after the brand, with "葱" (Cong) referring to the historical villa, called "葱影" (Congying), and "茏" (Long) referring to the newer building, named "茏郁" (Longyu). Together, these two buildings form the flagship of the restaurant. Due to certain restrictions, the exterior of the buildings could not be altered. As a result, the architectural language and spatial qualities of the two buildings are quite different. The focus of the design, therefore, was to highlight their distinctive characteristics while balancing the contrasting elements. The historical villa was preserved intact, with only partial modifications made to the newer building (Building 2), including adjustments to the layout and spatial flow.
The two buildings have independent entrances, and the only connection between them is a small plaza in front of both. The goal was to ensure a unified arrival experience as visitors approached the buildings, so the entrance plaza was designed as a landscaped garden. Several irregularly shaped plant beds were cleverly arranged to create a lush atmosphere. The brand logo, inspired by the texture of the sycamore tree bark, was intricately etched into the entrance wall. Walking through the green garden, a light steel rain canopy leads to the reception area, merging the two entrances into one seamless gray space, uniting the two independent buildings. A large dark green marble wall under the canopy elegantly resolves the gap between the two buildings and naturally guides the line of sight toward the two dining spaces.
Entering the "葱影" (Congying) Building, a historical villa that was once the residence of a famous figure, the interior space has a unique and pleasant atmosphere, with notable cultural value. The attic on the third floor, with its slanted roof, offers a distinctive charm. The design combines the lush tree shadow atmosphere from the surrounding area with the building’s original wooden structure, incorporating the concept of a "tree canopy." The first floor features a circular bar counter made of green marble, where solo guests can sit around. The ceiling is designed with semi-transparent light panels that simulate the play of tree shadows, allowing diners to feel as though they are enjoying their meal under a tree, with shifting shadows and a warm, atmospheric experience.
Ascending the slightly creaky wooden stairs to the second floor, the space embraces the building’s inherent atmosphere. Apart from structural requirements, the space has been completely opened up, with a slanted wall used as a screen to divide seating areas. Turning the corner from the open dining area, one arrives at a three-person booth area, where the walls and stairwell feature staggered seams, allowing light and sightlines to pass through. Whether it’s the spotlights illuminating small plants on the walls, the contrast between marble and stainless steel materials, or the red glazed handmade tiles in the restroom with delicate artwork and sculptures on the shelves, all these elements subtly offer a tactile sense of refinement.
Throughout the space, all mechanical systems are concentrated in the central ceiling, leaving the rest of the ceiling exposed with clear wooden beams, coated with acoustic materials. Moving toward the attic round table private room, the sharp roof space is designed with lighting details that simulate natural daylight. The exposed roof beams and original wooden window frames reveal the raw beauty of the building’s structure. When the lights are turned on, the space feels warm and nostalgic, evoking a sense of stepping back in time.
Next door, the "茏郁" (Longyu) Building, a newer structure, initially had a regular, compartmentalized layout so it was transformed into VIP private rooms. The first floor was consolidated into a kitchen and support area, while the gap between the two buildings serves as a delivery corridor for the entire restaurant. On the second floor, two private rooms remain intact, while the third floor has been converted into a set of private suites with independent elevators.
The design follows the concept of "tree trunk," which is a continuation of the "tree canopy" theme from the "葱影" (Congying) Building. The interior color palette predominantly uses shades of brown, creating a mature business atmosphere. The standout feature is the carefully chosen vertical-stripe marble, which adds elegance to the space, from the elevator lobby to the partial room dividers. Against the dark wood paneling, the marble serves as an eye-catching detail that complements the brand’s aesthetic. The private room walls gradually progress in layers, and parts of the design language from the "葱影" (Congying) Building have been reused, exposing the original floor structure and using brown acoustic coatings and bespoke brass lighting fixtures to emphasize the solid texture of the "tree trunk."
On the third floor, as guests exit the elevator, the deep tones of the elevator lobby exude understated elegance. The horizontal wood-patterned walls guide the eye toward a brass Dome light at the end. Passing through a tranquil tea room, the space opens up to a round table area that accommodates up to fifteen people. The walls lighten as the space progresses, with a window at the back offering a view of the lush tree canopy in the park. The large marble wall at the end complements the view, enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the private room while creating a seamless connection with the "葱影" (Congying) Building.
From the street to the park, through the entrance garden and into the restaurant, the entire journey is immersed in a lush, green atmosphere. From the brand name to the interior design and soft furnishings, the carefully chosen dark wood furniture, the plants and ornaments, and even the hot pot lid handles designed as tree branches—all elements subtly reflect the surrounding environment. Outside, the dappled shadows of the trees cast their patterns on the yellow facade of the villa, while the air is infused with a sense of historical depth. Inside, the delicate hot pot exudes warmth, enveloping guests in a cozy and inviting atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the brand’s identity.
"CONGLONG" is a premium wagyu hot pot restaurant located in the heart of the historical and cultural district of Yihe Road in Nanjing’s Gulou District. Nanjing is not only rich in historical heritage, but its streets are also filled with abundant natural vegetation, full of vitality. During studio 8’s first visit to the site, we were captivated by the century-old trees lining the street. Their lush canopies and moss-covered branches created a dynamic, life-filled atmosphere. This distinctive street scene inspired the name "葱茏" (Conglong), which refers to flourishing greenery and also symbolizes prosperity and thriving. The design draws inspiration from the surrounding environment, incorporating its unique characteristics into the restaurant’s spatial concept.
The restaurant spans two independent buildings at the end of a park. Building 1 is a historical villa dating back to the 1930s, while Building 2, situated just a meter apart, was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. To emphasize the dual nature of the site, the buildings were named after the brand, with "葱" (Cong) referring to the historical villa, called "葱影" (Congying), and "茏" (Long) referring to the newer building, named "茏郁" (Longyu). Together, these two buildings form the flagship of the restaurant. Due to certain restrictions, the exterior of the buildings could not be altered. As a result, the architectural language and spatial qualities of the two buildings are quite different. The focus of the design, therefore, was to highlight their distinctive characteristics while balancing the contrasting elements. The historical villa was preserved intact, with only partial modifications made to the newer building (Building 2), including adjustments to the layout and spatial flow.
The two buildings have independent entrances, and the only connection between them is a small plaza in front of both. The goal was to ensure a unified arrival experience as visitors approached the buildings, so the entrance plaza was designed as a landscaped garden. Several irregularly shaped plant beds were cleverly arranged to create a lush atmosphere. The brand logo, inspired by the texture of the sycamore tree bark, was intricately etched into the entrance wall. Walking through the green garden, a light steel rain canopy leads to the reception area, merging the two entrances into one seamless gray space, uniting the two independent buildings. A large dark green marble wall under the canopy elegantly resolves the gap between the two buildings and naturally guides the line of sight toward the two dining spaces.
Entering the "葱影" (Congying) Building, a historical villa that was once the residence of a famous figure, the interior space has a unique and pleasant atmosphere, with notable cultural value. The attic on the third floor, with its slanted roof, offers a distinctive charm. The design combines the lush tree shadow atmosphere from the surrounding area with the building’s original wooden structure, incorporating the concept of a "tree canopy." The first floor features a circular bar counter made of green marble, where solo guests can sit around. The ceiling is designed with semi-transparent light panels that simulate the play of tree shadows, allowing diners to feel as though they are enjoying their meal under a tree, with shifting shadows and a warm, atmospheric experience.
Ascending the slightly creaky wooden stairs to the second floor, the space embraces the building’s inherent atmosphere. Apart from structural requirements, the space has been completely opened up, with a slanted wall used as a screen to divide seating areas. Turning the corner from the open dining area, one arrives at a three-person booth area, where the walls and stairwell feature staggered seams, allowing light and sightlines to pass through. Whether it’s the spotlights illuminating small plants on the walls, the contrast between marble and stainless steel materials, or the red glazed handmade tiles in the restroom with delicate artwork and sculptures on the shelves, all these elements subtly offer a tactile sense of refinement.
Throughout the space, all mechanical systems are concentrated in the central ceiling, leaving the rest of the ceiling exposed with clear wooden beams, coated with acoustic materials. Moving toward the attic round table private room, the sharp roof space is designed with lighting details that simulate natural daylight. The exposed roof beams and original wooden window frames reveal the raw beauty of the building’s structure. When the lights are turned on, the space feels warm and nostalgic, evoking a sense of stepping back in time.
Next door, the "茏郁" (Longyu) Building, a newer structure, initially had a regular, compartmentalized layout so it was transformed into VIP private rooms. The first floor was consolidated into a kitchen and support area, while the gap between the two buildings serves as a delivery corridor for the entire restaurant. On the second floor, two private rooms remain intact, while the third floor has been converted into a set of private suites with independent elevators.
The design follows the concept of "tree trunk," which is a continuation of the "tree canopy" theme from the "葱影" (Congying) Building. The interior color palette predominantly uses shades of brown, creating a mature business atmosphere. The standout feature is the carefully chosen vertical-stripe marble, which adds elegance to the space, from the elevator lobby to the partial room dividers. Against the dark wood paneling, the marble serves as an eye-catching detail that complements the brand’s aesthetic. The private room walls gradually progress in layers, and parts of the design language from the "葱影" (Congying) Building have been reused, exposing the original floor structure and using brown acoustic coatings and bespoke brass lighting fixtures to emphasize the solid texture of the "tree trunk."
On the third floor, as guests exit the elevator, the deep tones of the elevator lobby exude understated elegance. The horizontal wood-patterned walls guide the eye toward a brass Dome light at the end. Passing through a tranquil tea room, the space opens up to a round table area that accommodates up to fifteen people. The walls lighten as the space progresses, with a window at the back offering a view of the lush tree canopy in the park. The large marble wall at the end complements the view, enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the private room while creating a seamless connection with the "葱影" (Congying) Building.
From the street to the park, through the entrance garden and into the restaurant, the entire journey is immersed in a lush, green atmosphere. From the brand name to the interior design and soft furnishings, the carefully chosen dark wood furniture, the plants and ornaments, and even the hot pot lid handles designed as tree branches—all elements subtly reflect the surrounding environment. Outside, the dappled shadows of the trees cast their patterns on the yellow facade of the villa, while the air is infused with a sense of historical depth. Inside, the delicate hot pot exudes warmth, enveloping guests in a cozy and inviting atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the brand’s identity.
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