Kioku Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel

Kioku, was designed by André Fu to bring the essence of a ‘modernist bamboo theatre’ to the space. It epitomises Fu’s trademark aesthetic for relaxed luxury, offering a holistic Japanese dining experience. Visitors to the restaurant approach it through a hallway lined with bamboo posts, inspired by the famous Torii Tunnel which leads to the mountain shrine in Kyoto. A bold ceramic artwork by Jun Kaneko, at the entrance, leads the eye upwards to a dramatic double height space. The focal point of the interior space is a vast 11m long sushi counter which has been carved out of solid pine timber trunks. On the mezzanine floor, a Sake Tower, built from Gaillo Louis marble, rises towards the ceiling. The theatrical styling continues with articulated layers of bamboo screens and glowing post-modern lanterns. The subdued effect is complemented by Muramoko Shingo’s installation created from a series of lacquer leaves which appear to float and dance over the space. Kioku offers a dining capacity for 110 people with private dining areas which feature abstract art by Korean artist Choi Tae Hoon. The use of natural materials - bamboo, sand and volcanic charcoal stone – conjure a sense of calm and this theme is maintained with over 160 pieces of custom-made furniture and lighting pendants. André Fu has used core colours of mud orange and mineral grey in pleasing contrast to give the look and feel of the restaurant an atmosphere which is both engaging and serene.

André Fu / AFSO