A bustling neighbourhood in Pune, Viman Nagar is home to several commercial establishments. Teeming with office goers, the locality is characterised by a host of commercial activities including cultural cafes, street hawkers, store fronts creating an eclectic chaos. Mekong Folks presented a unique opportunity to make a statement that drew attention while also maintaining a subtle aesthetic style.
Eclectic Chaos & Cultural Aesthetic makes a Unique Concept for this Asian Diner | Studio GASP
Visit: Studio GASP
Without meddling with the functionality that was required for the structure to be used optimally, only the façade was changed. Spread across three levels, each serving a distinct purpose, the design weaves together the contemporary and the modern that is reflective of the restaurant’s philosophy as well.
Half way through the project, the studio was briefed that the ground floor would be converted to a confectionary space to attract walk-ins and enhance business. Rising to the occasion the architects delivered a space that was eye-catching yet stays true to the essence of the restaurant.
In the bakery, shelves were created using birch ply and a partition space was added that merged onto the staircase continuing the use of plywood in the private dining room.
The first floor houses an indoor thematic restaurant while the second floor serves as a charming private dining room. As guests are led to the dining area on the first floor, they are greeted by a vibrant 12 ft. painting that depicts the sheer joy that a meal can bring to you while also reflecting hints of pop culture through the Mekong river delta. Similarly, motifs across wooden panels add a pop of color as you enter the dining area.
A subtle material palette was meticulously curated, which connects the external and internal pats of the restaurant. The use of grey concrete finish on the walls with tan brown as the main accent colour gives a perfect balance of space the otherwise small restaurant. Green flooring has been used to add an element of drama that further accentuates the feel of the space.
The store room assigned to the top level creating a dead wall for the road side façade while the middle level had apertures which would shield the dining area from the noise and air pollution of the road. To provide a cohesive character to all these different spaces, the studio has invested a lot of thought in the details amalgamating the use of birch plywood, fluted glass, mild steel and leather upholstery. While renovating the space, the existing plaster was converted into a concrete finish to merge with the furniture tones.
The existing balcony area presents the perfect warmth, with just a couple of tables, it was planned in a way it offed a cosy space that also overlooks the street.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio GASP
Project Name: Mekong Folks
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Project Size: 1400 Sq.ft.
Year: 2021
Principal Architect: Gargi Kulkarni Pherwani, Sahil Pherwani
Consultants for the Project:
Concept: Rajjeet Chandra
Artwork: Abhinav Kafre
Text: Amrita Choudhary
Project Management: Kumar Patil Consulting Engineers
Contracting: PROMT PMC
Kitchen Consulting: Kitchen Krafts
Photograph Courtesy: PHX India
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio GASP
For Similar Project>>Islamic Cultural Center In Piedmont-Italy | Wafai.Architecture And Fragomeli + Partners
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design Reimagining […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]