Kemuri

Project Completion: 2020

Project Size: 200 Square Feet

Narrative: Located in Colonia La Cacho, an up and coming mixed use community which is known for it’s trend setting restaurants. Our design is inspired by the Chef’s passion for smoke cooking, in Japanese Kemuri means smoke. Thus, we used another Japanese tradition, Shou Sugi Ban Siding (charred wood) to reflect the essence of the food, while creating a moody atmosphere that highlights the food and nothing else. When designing restaurants, we find that experience, second to the food, is critical to a successful restaurant venture. We aimed to create a space that could directly transport patrons from the middle of Tijuana, Mexico into Japan. We achieve this through the use of Materials that are authentic and full of character and tradition such as the Shou Sugi Ban Siding, the Cobble Stone Flooring, and a Cypress Butcher Block Bar.

Awards: Merit Award recipient in the Built Restaurant category of the AIA|LA Restaurant Design Awards 2021, Honorable Mention in the Hospitality category of the FRAME Awards 2022.

Status: Built
Location: Tijuana, MX
Firm Role: To convert an existing hole-in-the-wall Coffee Shop into an in-dining Ramen Bar.
Additional Credits: Photographer: Francisco Palacio

Floor Plan

The Shou Sugi Ban Siding juxtaposes the existing building, creating a wonderful contrast. The facade gently conquers its surroundings and creates a noticeable language for nearby residents to stumble into a piece of Japan in their community.

The traditional cypress bench contrasts the Shou Sugi Ban Siding to create an elegant facade.

North Section

Made entirely from Cedar, this full height bar was digitally fabricated to create a comfortable seating area that contrasts the rest of the space, highlighting the most important element; the food.