The industrial shell is a reference to the artistic spirit of the Hongdae area in Seoul, whilst the material palette of natural timbers and stone add a layer of warmth and texture.

The combination of wood and rock, coupled with the bold use of copper mesh and blackened steel, especially on the high ceilings, provides a dynamic setting for more traditional Korean elements of the design. Hand-selected antique Korean furniture pieces populate the space, adding tradition and age.

The private dining room is formed like a Hanok or traditional Korean house, with bespoke banquettes and sharing tables which evoke traditional Korean craft, and a solid oak frame forms the boundaries of the room.

In addition, Central Design Studio have collaborated with lighting and furniture designer Tom Raffield, to produce unique table lights especially for the project. There are two variations of bespoke lighting for the project, inspired by Tom Raffield’s pendant cage lights – one set for table lights and one set to sit on the cil.

The lights are designed to cage the light bulb, so that a beautiful lighting effect is thrown out in shafts, through the cage. These lighting fixtures were made from a laser cut birch frame and birch dowel for the cage. Birch was selected because the material is a beautiful wood with an authentic colour and they used an eco-varnish in order not to change the raw material. This allows the light to be reflected from the natural surface of the wood, creating a warm glow and beautiful shadows on the walls.

A modern take on traditional Korean style screens were commissioned and shipped direct from Korea, creating a centre piece of wood lattice.
Images © Central Design Studio