Restaurants

Yushoken: Crafting Atmosphere Through Architectural Narrative

September 16, 2024
|
By 
Jar Concengco

Through materiality, a structure can express its values and personality. CEO and Founder of Nippon Hasha group of companies, Ryan Cruz, acknowledges that each of his brands have a distinct personality in which he wishes to express in the dining experience. Restaurants such as Kazunori, Mendokoro, Yushoken and Marudori each have a level of distinction even though they all serve Japanese fare.

“Kazunori is like the mom. Marudori, Yushoken, and Mendokoro are the kids. Yushoken and Mendokoro are twins. They’re the same thing yet the format is just different. Yushoken is full service while Mendokoro is a bar format,” Cruz explains. 

Liza Morales’ Architectural Vision: Gabion Walls and Wooden Slats

Yushoken: Crafting Atmosphere Through Architectural Narrative.
Yushoken’s new branch in Quezon City exudes confidence with its striking gabion walls and wooden slats.

The restaurant stands firmly on the corner of Panay and Eugenio Lopez Jr. with gabion walls of stone and straight slats of wood. Designed by LEED-accredited architect Liza Morales of Ecotecture Design Studio, the structure needed to make a strong first impression. 

“We saw Yushoken as a confident, brave younger sibling of the Nippon Hasha brands. We wanted to give a strong statement in this neighborhood and say, we are here now,” says Morales. “In the facade there’s a contrast between the stone and wooden slats. The gabion wall was a material that I wanted to experiment with for quite some time. They convey the organic parts of Japan while the wooden slats are a little more of the order which the Japanese are known for.”

Maximizing Impact with Height and Space in Yushoken

With a high ceiling and descending wood slats leading to the kitchen window, Yushoken’s interior design creates an airy and spacious feel, enhanced by the interplay of light and shadows.
A high ceiling and descending wood slats lead to the kitchen window. Yushoken’s interior design creates an airy and spacious feel, enhanced by the interplay of light and shadows.

With a 190 square meter footprint, the structure wouldn’t be as arresting to the eye if it only stood with one story. The height also allowed for a high ceiling with a dramatic feature of wood slats descending down and leading the eye to the window into the kitchen. A grid work of timber resembling the Japanese chidori toy create shadows as the sun passes through the window. The black wall is textured and a colorful mural by Koo Koo Ramos with golden accents and Japanese iconography hidden in it adds just enough color to the space to create interest. 

On one side of the restaurant, there is booth seating and a wave of wood slats that undulate above. “I like booths because people can think of it as their own space for that time and they can get lost in it. And there’s a bit of privacy,” Cruz explains.

Flexibility in Design to Enhance Hospitality

A colorful mural by Koo Koo Ramos with gold accents and subtle Japanese iconography adds vibrancy and human touch to Yushoken’s space, balancing the hard surfaces with organic elements.

Most of Yushoken Panay’s floor area can be configured for a wide variety of guests, especially for larger groups. Cruz was adamant in having the design of this branch help its staff be more hospitable to the customers it serves. “We needed to be quite flexible, and this space allows that flexibility. That’s the point. It’s allowing design to enable you to be more hospitable to your customers. Design alone doesn’t make you more hospitable. It’s only an enabler. Ultimately it’s people who give hospitality. It’s how you make customers feel.”

The contrast between the organic gabion walls and orderly wooden slats on Yushoken’s facade reflects the balance of natural and structured elements in Japanese design.

This set up also makes the space feel more airy and spacious. “With design, you have to exercise restraint. That’s something we always challenge ourselves with with every project,” says Morales. “There’s such a thing as going overboard. We don’t want it to feel overwhelming. So we used colors and textures sparingly. We just wanted to make sure that it exudes that personality without making it feel too much.”

Read the full article on Yushoken by ordering your copy of BluPrint Volume 1, available via the sarisari.shopping websiteShopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via ReadlyPress Reader, and Magzter.

Photography by Jar Concengco

Read more: Making Sustainability Mainstream: Liza Morales’ Commitment to Eco-Architecture

Ezra Viniti Resort: Embracing Nature

Tucked at the end of Pag-Ibig Street near Tagaytay Public Market,  Ezra Viniti Resort gives you a quiet retreat, allowing you to escape from the noise of Metro Manila and even from the bustle of common Tagaytay destinations. But what’s even more remarkable is how Ezra Viniti Resort is designed around nature, with sustainability and […]

The Visionary Design of Piraso Inc.

Joseph Gonzalez Rastrullo is transforming contemporary interiors with his bold and innovative approach to design. As Principal Designer of Piraso Inc., he seamlessly merges artistry with function, crafting pieces that transcend utility and become sculptural expressions. His work is a dialogue between heritage and modernity, deeply rooted in Filipino culture while embracing global influences. Rastrullo’s […]

"Escapism" by Viel Olaguera for "Angat Sining."

‘Angat Sining’ Highlights the Importance of Art Advocacy in the Philippines

Angat Sining is an exhibition showcasing visual artists who benefitted from the Angat Sining Fellowship. Shown at UP Parola Gallery, it enrolled twelve high school students in a six-month program to “explore their artistic potential through various art forms.” It was done in partnership with Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Ateneo de Manila Fine Arts […]

5 Imaginative Modern Apartment Designs Around the World.

5 Imaginative Modern Apartment Designs Around the World

In the face of global-scale urbanization and dwindling living space, a humble apartment serves as a respite from the pressures of modern life. But with continuous  innovation, pushing the boundaries of design and functionality, the term “humble” is quickly becoming a misnomer. From opulent expressions of luxury to biophilic designs and unconventional minimalism, these spaces […]

Some paintings by Paul Eric Roca for "Creatures of Apathy."

‘Creatures of Apathy’ Explores the Grotesque Sides of Humanity

Illustrator Paul Eric Roca is known as a political cartoonist and for his book illustration. Both roles utilize bizarre, fantastical images to contrast with the mundanity of everyday life. For Creatures of Apathy, however, Roca finds himself tapping into creating monstrous images to reflect the horrible natures hiding within every society.  Showing at Altro Mondo […]

5 Kitchen Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2025.

5 Kitchen Interior Design Ideas We Love for 2025

The kitchen is the heart of every gathering and connection happening inside a home. Beyond its utilitarian purpose, it’s a special space where traditions and expressions of creativity take place. So, staying ahead of ways to enhance it could bring a greater sense of satisfaction and enjoyment in your daily life. We’ve compiled some of […]

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]