RYU Peel Sushi Restaurant in Montreal, Canada by Ménard Dworkind.

Another hospitality hit for Ménard Dworkind (MRDK), the fifth outpost of RYU Peel sushi restaurant has opened in downtown Montreal. Post demolition of the existing building, original walls covered in an accumulated patchwork of plaster, paint and wallpaper were revealed. The patinas and signs of wear and tear form a rich collage that inspired MRDK to embrace the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi for the design direction.

Preserving the existing walls was paramount, with a minimal approach and palette chosen to contrast and enhance them. A floating structure made from interconnected timber battens is suspended from the ceiling, recalling traditional Japanese woodwork and also masking the mechanical ducts above. An integrated architectural lighting strategy was developed in order to bring out the warmth and pattern of this prominent feature, further aided by large mirrors installed at the end of the dining room.

The bar runs through the centre of the deep, linear space, covered entirely in Polaris. The synthetic matte black material has a velvety sheen that lends a futuristic appeal. A light comprised of 370 pieces of laser-cut aluminium spaced with brass sleeves stretches above the bar. Behind this, a monolithic brass back bar runs the length of the restaurant. A 9m piece of angled iron is affixed to structural columns, supporting over 100 bottles of sake and Japanese whisky.

Opposite the bar, three tables and benches appear to float, cantilevered by steel profiles directly into a low concrete ledge. Leather and timber wrap around the steel framework to form seats and backrests. Among predominant neutral tones, hints of green appear by way of leather banquet seats and plants in built-in concrete planters. Poured concrete floors assist in giving an overall industrial aesthetic, save for a section of raised black timber parquetry by the street-facing window.

See more projects by Menard Dworkind on Yellowtrace here.

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