Interview about Timber and Table Restaurant, winner of the A' Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design Award 2025
Timber and Table is a restaurant design that draws from vernacular rural architecture to create a warm and grounded dining environment. Natural materials, such as wood and stone, are used throughout to evoke a sense of place and permanence. The design balances rustic textures with contemporary lines, offering a refined yet approachable atmosphere. Strategic lighting and spatial layering enhance intimacy while preserving openness, supporting both community gathering and private dining experiences.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThank you! I'm honored that Timber and Table received recognition from the A’ Design Award—it’s a meaningful affirmation of the design philosophy behind the project.The decision to preserve original features like exposed timber beams, rustic walls, and courtyards was rooted in a deep respect for the site’s cultural and architectural identity. The building was once a farmhouse with a simple yet honest construction—timbers hand-hewn, courtyards well-worn by generations. Rather than erase that history, I wanted to highlight it.The challenge was adapting those elements for a contemporary restaurant experience while keeping their soul intact. We reinforced the original beams structurally but left them visible, allowing diners to literally look up into the building’s past. The courtyards became seasonal dining spaces—an open-air extension of the dining room that connects guests with nature and the rhythms of rural life. We also inserted subtle modern interventions like glass partitions and lighting that contrast gently with the old textures, creating a layered experience.Ultimately, it wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about storytelling. By preserving and adapting these vernacular features, Timber and Table became more than a restaurant. It became a place where memory, landscape, and hospitality meet.
The idea to transform the traditional siheyuan courtyard into a reflecting pool came from a desire to create a moment of stillness—a sensory pause—at the heart of the dining experience. In vernacular courtyard houses, the central space often serves as a gathering point filled with movement and activity. But for Timber and Table, I wanted that core to offer something quieter: reflection, both literal and emotional.The inspiration came from two sources: the serenity of classical Chinese gardens, where water serves as a mirror to the sky and a metaphor for clarity; and the rural tradition of stone wells and seasonal ponds that once anchored daily life. By reimagining the courtyard as a still water feature, we created a contemplative focal point that slows people down, encouraging mindfulness and deeper connection—both to the space and to the people they're dining with.Functionally, the pool also enhances the dining experience by subtly modulating light and sound. Sunlight dances on its surface during the day, while in the evening, it reflects lanterns and ambient lighting to create a tranquil, immersive atmosphere. The soft sounds of trickling water help buffer noise, making conversations more intimate.In essence, the reflecting pool turns the act of dining into a more holistic experience—one that engages not only the palate, but also the senses of sight, sound, and emotion. It’s a quiet gesture, but one that resonates deeply.
Absolutely—striking the right balance between heritage preservation and structural safety was one of the most complex and rewarding aspects of Timber and Table.Many of the original elements, like timber beams and rammed earth walls, carried deep character and historical value but didn’t meet modern structural or seismic codes. Instead of replacing them wholesale, we developed a selective reinforcement strategy—one that prioritized minimal intervention with maximum integrity.We began with a detailed structural survey to identify vulnerable points—beams showing stress, joints weakened over time, and load paths disrupted by age or adaptation. Rather than concealing everything behind drywall or new finishes, we reinforced in ways that were honest and visible. For example:Steel plates and tension rods were integrated into the existing timber framework but left partially exposed, forming a visual dialogue between old and new.Rammed earth walls were stabilized with discreet internal anchors and breathable sealants, preserving their texture and allowing them to continue aging naturally.In the roof structure, we inserted secondary support members painted in a neutral tone, carefully nested behind the existing beams to provide strength without visual dominance.This approach was about trusting the building's story while layering in contemporary safety. It allowed the restaurant to maintain its sense of time and place—letting guests experience the weight of history—without compromising the comfort or confidence required in a public dining space.Ultimately, the selective reinforcement wasn’t just a technical solution; it was a design philosophy: respect the past, support it quietly, and let it speak.
The concept of “四水归堂” (four water return to the hall) was a profound inspiration in shaping the spatial planning and circulation of Timber and Table. This traditional courtyard principle—where water from the four sloped roofs converges inward toward a central space—represents not just physical drainage, but a symbolic gathering of fortune, energy, and community.In reinterpreting this idea, I wasn’t simply interested in the literal roof geometry, but in how that inward convergence could shape emotional and spatial experience. I used the concept to inform both circulation flow and experiential rhythm throughout the restaurant.Spatial Planning Influences:Central Reflecting Pool as the Hall: Just as traditional homes draw water—and people—into the center, our courtyard-turned-reflecting pool acts as the emotional nucleus. Every major circulation path subtly orients toward this contemplative heart, creating a sense of calm convergence.Quadrant-Based Zoning: The restaurant is divided into four primary zones—each drawing from the traditional cardinal courtyard arrangement (north-south-east-west). Each zone offers a unique atmosphere (open-air terrace, semi-private dining, communal table, tea alcove) but is always visually or physically connected back to the center.Circulation and Flow:Paths were designed with a centripetal logic—visitors naturally drift inward before dispersing. It creates a narrative: arrival, reflection, gathering, and return.Transitions between spaces are marked by subtle thresholds—material shifts, framed views, or filtered light—that echo the rhythm of traditional homes, where movement through layered spaces builds a sense of unfolding intimacy.By grounding the design in 四水归堂, the restaurant becomes more than a spatial layout—it becomes a ceremony of gathering, a quiet choreography of movement and meaning. Guests don’t just dine; they participate in a spatial story rooted in heritage, reinterpreted for the present.
At Timber and Table, the integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern building systems was a deliberate and sensitive process—aimed at preserving material authenticity while meeting contemporary standards of performance, comfort, and safety.Key Traditional Techniques Employed:1. Timber Joinery Without NailsWe collaborated with local carpenters skilled in mortise-and-tenon joinery—a hallmark of vernacular Chinese construction. Instead of relying solely on modern fasteners, exposed timber connections in the dining hall were reconstructed using this time-honored technique. Where reinforcement was needed, we inserted concealed steel sleeves to strengthen load-bearing members while maintaining the handcrafted visual.2. Hand-Plastered Earthen WallsTo echo the original texture and breathability of rammed earth, we used a local clay-lime mix for interior feature walls. Artisans applied it by hand, layer by layer, allowing the wall to retain irregularities, patina, and a sense of tactile warmth. These surfaces age gracefully and work harmoniously with passive humidity regulation.3. Terracotta Tiling and Fired BrickFor flooring and courtyard paving, we sourced handmade terracotta tiles and recycled fired bricks from regional kilns. Slight variation in tone and size preserved the rustic charm and complemented the earthy material palette, while underlying radiant heating systems were embedded beneath to provide comfort without altering the surface appearance.4. Woven Bamboo ScreensLocal weavers crafted bamboo partitions and ceiling screens, which serve both decorative and functional purposes—filtering light, softening acoustics, and offering semi-privacy. These screens are paired with discreet fire-resistant backings to meet code requirements without compromising their visual delicacy.Integration with Modern Systems:The traditional materials and techniques were carefully paired with:Underfloor insulation and radiant heatingIntegrated lighting channels carved into timber beamsDiscreet sprinkler heads and HVAC vents hidden in ceiling coves or behind bamboo screensLow-emissivity glazing within traditional-style wooden frames to maintain visual continuityBy embedding modern systems within traditional forms rather than against them, we ensured that heritage wasn’t just preserved—it was lived. The result is a seamless blend where craftsmanship becomes performance, and past becomes present—without ever feeling forced or nostalgic.
The nine-month development of Timber and Table was as much about listening and learning as it was about designing. Collaborating closely with local craftsmen and preservation specialists profoundly shaped both my design approach and my understanding of what cultural and architectural authenticity truly means.Deepening Cultural Sensitivity Through Collaboration:From the start, I knew that authenticity couldn’t be imposed from the outside—it had to be co-created with people who carried the memory of the place in their hands. Masons, carpenters, tilers, and plasterers—many of whom had worked on similar structures for decades—shared insights that went far beyond technique. They spoke of why certain materials were used, how spaces were oriented for daily rituals, and what elements were considered auspicious or grounding in local culture.These conversations shifted my priorities:I learned to respect imperfection as a sign of life and continuity, rather than something to be “corrected.”I chose to retain asymmetries and weathered materials, using modern systems to support them invisibly rather than replace them.Preservation Experts as Design Partners:Preservation specialists helped us navigate sensitive restoration zones. Their expertise led to crucial decisions, such as:Retaining the original roofline despite added structural loads, by introducing a lightweight steel skeleton nested within the existing truss.Reversibly mounting lighting and signage to avoid damaging heritage brickwork.Together, we developed a hybrid methodology: precise where it had to be (for seismic or fire safety), and improvisational where it could be—guided by the rhythms of handwork and local knowledge.Outcome: A Living ArchitectureThese partnerships ensured that Timber and Table is not a replica of the past but a living continuation of it. The building honors the people and practices that shaped it—evolving without erasure. Cultural authenticity, I came to realize, isn’t about strict preservation or visual mimicry. It’s about allowing memory, material, and modernity to coexist—genuinely, respectfully, and beautifully.
The intentional preservation of weathered materials and worn thresholds in Timber and Table was central to creating a space that feels alive with memory—a place where diners don’t just eat, but feel something deeper: a quiet sense of belonging, rootedness, and reverence for time.Why Age and Patina Matter:In a world of polished surfaces and fast-changing trends, there’s something profoundly grounding about materials that bear the marks of time. The crack in a stone step, the soft shine of worn wood underfoot, the irregular plaster fading in layers—all of these imperfections are records of life lived. By preserving them, the architecture becomes a kind of storyteller, quietly inviting diners to reflect, slow down, and connect.Emotional Impact on Diners:Familiarity and Comfort: These materials evoke memories—of grandparents’ homes, of childhood courtyards, of simpler times. They spark emotional associations that make the space feel intimate and human.Authenticity and Trust: Guests instinctively sense that what surrounds them is real—not manufactured to appear aged, but genuinely weathered by decades of sun, rain, footsteps, and use. This authenticity builds trust, not only in the space, but in the experience itself.Temporal Layering: The patina of age creates a kind of temporal layering where past and present meet. Diners become part of an ongoing story, adding their own chapter simply by being there.A Design of Empathy:Celebrating age is, in essence, a design gesture of empathy. It acknowledges the value of what came before and invites people to dwell—physically and emotionally—in a space that honors both history and presence. In Timber and Table, that celebration becomes the soul of the dining experience: textured, resonant, and quietly unforgettable.
Achieving a balance between community gathering and private intimacy was one of the guiding intentions behind the spatial layering of Timber and Table. I wanted the restaurant to feel dynamic and welcoming for different kinds of dining experiences—whether a lively family celebration, a quiet solo meal, or a romantic evening.Layered Spatial Strategy:1. Zoning Through Architectural ElementsThe layout is organized around a central courtyard (with the reflecting pool) that acts as the social heart, while more intimate zones radiate outward in a gradient of privacy. Architectural elements such as bamboo screens, low partitions, and framed thresholds subtly define boundaries without severing sightlines. This creates a sense of enclosure without complete isolation.2. Material and Lighting GradientsCommunal areas—like the main hall and courtyard—use lighter materials, higher ceilings, and warm ambient lighting to encourage openness and interaction.Private nooks are tucked into side wings or semi-enclosed alcoves with lower ceiling planes, textured finishes, and focused lighting, offering a sense of calm and retreat.3. Flexible Furniture and LayoutsWe employed a modular furniture strategy, with some large tables that can be shared or split, and movable seating arrangements in certain zones. This allowed the space to adapt to different group sizes without altering the overall harmony of the layout.4. Sound ManagementMaterials like woven bamboo, soft plaster, and upholstered seating help absorb sound, ensuring that even in busier moments, diners in quieter areas are not overwhelmed. The gentle sound of water from the central pool also provides a calming acoustic buffer.Emotional and Cultural Resonance:This spatial layering isn’t just functional—it reflects the rhythm of traditional courtyard homes, where communal life flows around a shared center, but individuals can retreat into private quarters. That same rhythm plays out here: a choreography of openness and retreat, connection and contemplation.In this way, Timber and Table becomes more than just a restaurant—it becomes a fluid social landscape, where guests can find the kind of space that suits their moment, and feel seen—whether in a crowd or in quiet.
I envision Timber and Table serving as a quiet but powerful case study for how adaptive reuse in restaurant design can move beyond surface aesthetics into something more culturally grounded, emotionally resonant, and environmentally responsible.1. Reframing Heritage as an Asset, Not a LimitationToo often, adaptive reuse projects in hospitality see heritage elements as obstacles to be concealed or selectively romanticized. Timber and Table challenges that mindset by embracing imperfection, patina, and place-based identity as design opportunities. I hope this encourages more designers to see existing structures not as outdated shells, but as living frameworks—rich in narrative, texture, and spatial intelligence.2. Shifting Toward Material Honesty and CraftIn an age of fast build-outs and homogenized aesthetics, the restaurant demonstrates that authentic craftsmanship and material truthfulness can be just as compelling—and far more enduring—than trendy finishes. This project shows that diners are deeply moved by spaces that feel rooted and real, which could influence developers and designers alike to invest in local skills, reclaimed materials, and thoughtful details.3. Creating Multi-Sensory, Emotionally Layered SpacesRather than prioritize novelty or spectacle, Timber and Table creates emotional resonance through spatial pacing, sensory balance, and historical continuity. I believe this approach will resonate more and more as diners seek meaning and connection in their dining experiences—encouraging a new wave of restorative hospitality design rooted in time, place, and memory.4. Environmental Responsibility Through PreservationThe project also foregrounds adaptive reuse as a low-carbon strategy—preserving embodied energy, minimizing demolition waste, and extending the life of well-built vernacular structures. In a world increasingly concerned with climate impact, this model offers a quiet sustainability that is both ethical and beautiful.Ultimately, I hope Timber and Table helps shift the conversation—from designing around old buildings to designing with them. By doing so, it contributes to a broader movement that sees architecture not as a blank slate, but as a dialogue across time—between past wisdom, present needs, and future hope.
Transforming Timber and Table from a vernacular house into a living, breathing dining space taught me that adaptive reuse isn’t just about architecture—it’s about attunement, patience, and respect. For designers approaching similar projects, especially in historically significant buildings, I’d offer these key pieces of advice:1. Start with Listening, Not DrawingBefore sketching a single line, listen to the building. Walk it. Touch it. Feel where the light falls, where the air lingers, where feet have worn down stone thresholds. Talk to locals, craftsmen, former occupants. These observations will tell you far more than any plan set.2. Respect the Spirit, Not Just the FormTrue preservation isn’t about freezing the past—it’s about understanding its essence and carrying it forward meaningfully. Ask yourself: What values does this space hold? Is it warmth, humility, openness, craftsmanship? Preserve those through your materials, spatial gestures, and rhythms.3. Intervene Lightly, But HonestlyAvoid mimicry. Don’t disguise the new as old—instead, let your additions be clearly contemporary but contextually sensitive. Use modern materials and systems, but integrate them in ways that support (rather than compete with) the original architecture.4. Collaborate with Craftspeople and SpecialistsWork side-by-side with those who know the building type—carpenters, masons, plasterers, and preservation experts. They hold generational knowledge you can’t learn in school. Treat them not just as executors, but as design collaborators.5. Design for Use, Not Just DisplayAdaptive reuse is only successful if the space is loved and lived in again. Design for comfort, accessibility, acoustics, energy efficiency. A beautiful building that no one wants to inhabit is just a museum piece.6. Let Time ShowDon’t over-finish. Allow wear, texture, and patina to remain. These traces of time are what make a place feel real, grounded, and emotionally resonant.7. Tell the StoryWhether through subtle signage, curated objects, or spatial narrative, make sure visitors understand that they’re part of a continuing story. Let the building speak—and help amplify its voice through your design.In short, treat the building as a living elder—wise, storied, and still capable of evolving. If you work with humility, honesty, and care, adaptive reuse can become not just preservation, but rebirth.
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