Interview about Izakaya 9am 5pm Restaurant, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2025
This project is located in Tainan, regarded as the most historically significant city in Taiwan. Therefore, the design concept aims to present various materials in their original forms to create spatial depth while showcasing the rustic charm of Tainan. The concrete bar counter serves as the core of the space, surrounded by copper plates and raw wood veneers that will change in appearance over time. This symbolizes the unique culture of Tainan, which has developed through historical transitions and evolution.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIn this project, we wanted to reflect Tainan’s multi-layered context by using materials that naturally change over time. The copper plates oxidize and develop patina, and the concrete surfaces record traces of use. We see the space as an extension of the city’s ongoing transformation—where history and contemporary life coexist. By choosing materials that carry the marks of time, we hope to let visitors feel the city’s living heritage and vibrant evolution.
The bar counter is the core of the space, so we invited the owner to participate in the chiseling process. This was not just about physical work but about embedding emotional connection and memories into the space. When guests interact with the counter, they also connect with this story of collaboration. We believe that when designers and owners build a space together, it naturally carries more warmth and a deeper sense of belonging for future users.
Our principle is to respect and retain meaningful existing elements while introducing new materials that highlight them. The old green tiles and marble floors carry the memories of the alley, while walnut veneer and raw concrete add a contemporary softness and texture. By letting old and new coexist and speak to each other, we created an atmosphere that feels both authentic and fresh.
The base palette is mainly grey, wood, and metal tones. Without a highlight, the space could feel monotonous. We introduced a vivid blue for the staircase wall to draw the eye and break the neutral scheme, providing a fresh visual anchor. The blue also contrasts with the warm tones of copper, adding depth while keeping the overall mood balanced and cohesive.
Working with a compact, multi-level layout was both a challenge and an opportunity. Each floor serves a different purpose, from the interactive bar to private dining. The staircase links them spatially and visually. Consistent materials and tones unify the levels, while subtle changes in wall treatments and lighting give each area its own character. This creates a layered yet connected experience.
In a small space, circulation planning is crucial. We analyzed user habits to keep the front-of-house and back-of-house paths as separate as possible, avoiding conflicts and ensuring smooth service. The boundaries are formed naturally by the bar counter and wall placements, without unnecessary partitions, so the space stays open and visually clear while functioning efficiently.
The green tiles are a signature feature of the neighborhood’s older buildings, so preserving them makes the restaurant feel rooted in its alley setting. Inside, the walnut veneer extends this warm, nostalgic feeling and reinterprets it through a modern lens. The contrast and harmony between these materials make the restaurant feel like a natural part of the street’s story rather than an isolated insert.
We see space as a living container that should grow and change with its users. Materials like copper and concrete record the passage of time through marks, wear, and patina. This aligns with our core philosophy that design is not static but should adapt and accompany people’s daily lives, capturing moments and memories along the way.
The bar counter is the heart of a traditional izakaya—people gather, interact, and connect around it. We chose raw concrete to emphasize a handcrafted, honest materiality that invites touch and use. It becomes the anchor where people meet, share stories, and bring the space to life. It’s not just furniture; it’s a social connector.
This project reminds us that historic spaces should not just be preserved but actively lived in and reimagined. For us, designing restaurants in heritage areas is about finding points where old stories and contemporary life intersect. It’s not about copying the past but giving it a new role in daily life, so the space stays meaningful and relevant for the community.
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