Forest- and Fire-Inspired Gastrolounge Charcohol
Design Anthology: How did you first meet the client?
Shirley Dong: The client found out about us through another of our projects, a restaurant called Inkwood for which we did the visual identity and interior design.
What’s unique about the building and location?
Charcohol is located in a rebuilt heritage building in the centre of Shanghai. The original building was located at the edge of Fengsheng Li and was rebuilt in its new location using the original bricks and ornaments. Each brick and ornament was preserved and numbered before the building was reconstructed using these original materials.
When designing Charcohol, we therefore had to maintain a respectful attitude towards the architectural heritage. Special details were developed to connect elements of the new facade with the old structure. The newly added steel and glass structure is completely detached from the original building and a system of wall washer lights highlights the beauty of the architecture, giving it a museum-like quality.
What was the project brief?
Chef Mandela Zhu told us that the food and drinks would be inspired by forest and fire. He explained that the miraculous chemistry of taste happens when carefully selected, simple ingredients are cooked at the right temperature for the right amount of time.
We embarked on creating a space that reflects the chef’s vision and ultimately goes beyond it. Inspired by the transformative nature of charcoal and its role in food creation, the design unfolds around an axis of time crossed by an axis of temperature.
What design references or narrative did you try to incorporate into the space?
Stretching across the main entrance, three dining halls reflect the transformation of wood to charcoal and finally to ash. The dining concept is summed up in the small portico at the entrance, where a half-burnt wooden column hangs from the ceiling and ends in a lava stone block on the floor.
In the orthogonal direction, one can observe the temperature axis, spanning from the kitchen to the fireplace and projected on the ground in reddish tiles.
Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space.
In line with the concept, each dining hall has its own particular ambience and material palette. The first dining area, with wood flooring and original brickwork, opens towards the main plaza of Fengsheng Li, allowing sunlight to shine in onto the brick walls. The main hall is the most intimate and cosy area in the whole restaurant and the rough texture of the black walls and floors reflects light differently throughout the day, creating a changing ambience. At the end of the space the third hall once again shows some of the original brick wall and is finished with white-grey plastered walls. A glass box of ashes adorns this space as well.
Did you design any custom pieces for the space?
Where the time and the temperature axes cross above the bar, we arranged a giant installation of fanned palm leaves to hang underneath the reflective stainless-steel dome.
Along the time axis in the ‘ash’ area, another installation made of banana leaves and eucalyptus seeds hangs like a bouquet chandelier, representing renewal out of the ashes. All the tables are custom made with bevelled edges, brass corners and cast brass details, which take the form of the logo. The bar countertop is also divided into two wood and black sections, connected by a copper logo.
Are there any other details about the project you want to share?
Charcohol also has an outdoor seating area, which is an extension of the ash-themed area and the temperature axis. The main feature here is the glass room, where guests can enjoy freshly made food from the nearby brick stove. The garden is planted with a selection of aromatic flowers and herbs, some of which are used in the kitchen.
As told to / Suzy Annetta
Images / Sven Zhang
