Header: Courtesy of Wooow!Design
In the bustling city of Chengdu, a new kind of private dining club is making waves. Maha Restaurant is an exclusive, reservation-only space where food, art, and design come together. Operating as a private chef club, it offers custom dining events for its guests. The entire experience, from the menu to the atmosphere, is carefully put together to create a unique and personal visit each time. The goal is to make dining a medium for storytelling and social connection, all within a 550-square-meter area designed for discovery.
The soul of the stone
The most defining feature of Maha’s interior is the extensive use of Maha stone. This isn’t just a simple wall covering; the stone is the core material that shapes the entire space. It has been meticulously sculpted and polished throughout the restaurant, a process that brings the rich textures of Chengdu itself into the interior. This specific use of a natural, local material gives the restaurant its distinct identity. Thoughtful lighting, designed by SYZG, plays across these surfaces, highlighting the depth and detail of the stonework. The design pairs this raw, elemental feel with various works of art, enriching the rooms with points of interest and conversation.
More than a meal
The design philosophy behind Maha Restaurant was to create a space for fresh and engaging encounters. The team at Wooow!Design, led by Vell Feng, wanted to build an environment that responds to a modern desire for personalized and participatory activities. The layout is intended to support creative events and interactive brand experiences that go beyond a simple dinner. It’s a space built for enjoyment, where leisure and entertainment are part of the very fabric of the building. By introducing niche cultural ideas and fun social opportunities, the design encourages guests to engage with the space in a more active way.
A conscientious creation
Maha Restaurant’s innovative approach was recognized with a SIT Award, receiving the Winner prize in the Restaurant & Bar Design category. The award celebrates the project’s success in creating a new spatial concept filled with bold experimentation. Part of this success comes from the project’s focus on sustainability. The designers made a point to select eco-friendly materials, aligning the restaurant with global conservation ideas. This approach shows that a high-end, artistic space can also be built with environmental awareness, creating a place that is as responsible as it is beautiful.
Project info
Design Company: Wooow!Design
Designer: Vell Feng
Lead Designer(Other): FIONA QIAN, HAM, RUMCOLA
Interior Designer: HKC, JIANGHUA, MA.
Lighting Design: SYZG
Location: Chengdu, China
Project Date: 30/08/2023
Client: Maha Restaurant
