RYU Japanese Restaurant by Ménard Dworkind in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal-based architecture & design studio Ménard Dworkind (MRDK) have recently completed the interior of Ryù Japanese restaurant chain at their latest location in Montreal’s Westmount neighbourhood.

MRDK employed a contemporary design approach underpinned with a Japanese sensibility for the design of the restaurant. The duo prioritised hand-worked natural materials that would patina with age, and their beauty only enhancing through their imperfections.

A play of light and dark timber slats suspended from a long bulkhead spans the length of the interior. This dynamic play of timber achieves an optical effect that creates movement as one passes through the space. The same idea of movement was continued in the design of a suspended light that follows the shape of the counter, fabricated from 467 pieces of aluminium and 1868 brass sleeves.

Translucent polycarbonate panels were used to divide the kitchen from the sushi bar, creating a contemporary lantern effect. At night, the shows hint at the action happening within the main hub of the restaurant.

Related: Miss Wong Restaurant in Quebec, Canada by Ménard Dworkind Architecture & Design.

A recurring use of the circle cut-out appears in many of the custom-designed elements. Reminiscent of the Japanese flag, this repeated geometry creates a sense of unity between all the furnishing and joinery elements inside the space.

The hero of the interior is the heavy and robust sushi bar made from concrete block supports, surrounded by cantilevered timber swivel chairs. Hanging gardens suspended above the bar outline two large skylights, and add an element of soft plant life that filters the light inside the space.

We had a super quick chat with Guillaume Ménard and David Dworkind about this project. Read on for a further insight straight from the horses’ mouths.

Related: Stories On Design // Circles in Architecture.

+ What’s your favourite thing about Ryù?

Our favourite thing is the custom light suspended over the bar made of 467 laser cut aluminium pieces and 1868 brass sleaves.

+ And the most challenging aspect?

The most challenging aspect was to figure out a good layout for the space – it is so narrow and has windows on 3 sides.

+ What did you learn during this project?

We like to push our knowledge about different materials for every project. This was the first time we used concrete bricks and lime plaster. Spending time on site during construction, we were able to absorb lots of information about the installation of both materials.

+ Would you have done anything differently?

I don’t think so. We, along with the clients, are very happy with the final result!

[Images courtesy of Ménard Dworkind. Photography by David Dworkind.]