Oi Izakaya owners, Stephen and Troy had spent considerable time in Japan and fell in love with the traditional dish, Okinimiyaki. Our task was to interpret and deliver the same experience they felt during their travels.

We wanted to use traditional building materials so time was the main material used but in different ways throughout the restaurant. In the bar we charred the external timber in the ancient form of Shou-Sugi-Ban.

• More Info

  On the opposing side of the restaurant which is divided by an ally way, we left the external timber in its natural form to represent the bar from the restaurant.

  We also had connecting beams between both areas which we charred then faded out to represent the change of areas. Tying this once seperate tenancy together was a very important task and we believe this method worked in a very uniting manner.

  With all the heavy materials used we needed to find some softer elements which was created by using Japanese curtains in different ways throughout the restaurant. Adding to the soft and warm touches we used traditional lamps which gave that classic through of light.