Nin Hao Restaurant

Two materials that interact with light differently were implemented surrounding the dining space -translucent Austrian curtains along the windows soften the sunlight, creating a gentle interplay between light and shadow.

This filtered light, in turn, reflects off the polycarbonate-paneled wall on the opposite side, diffusing throughout the space and contributing to an atmosphere that feels airy, bright, and ever-changing.

As the sun sets, the tall polycarbonate-paneled wall transforms into a glowing lantern, illuminating the space and the curtains, which creates an intimate and cozy lounge ambiance.

Underneath the translucent curtain and transparent walls, cement tiles with different shades of warm grays, which were informed by Chinese gray bricks, become the dominant surfaces in different forms that guests can touch, lean on, or sit in, and linear planters along the curtain wall to house the succulent greens.

Opaque and translucent, rough and sleek, traditional and contemporary, a series of contrasting pairs in dialogue echoes Nin Hao's ethos, which embraces its cultural roots while embodying a contemporary spirit and a well-adventure.

And "Hudson River Valley from Fort Putnam (1855)" by George Henry Boughton.

Additionally, one of the bathrooms features a two-way mirror that offers a view of the dining space while maintaining privacy—further heightening the sense of surprise and adventure in the restaurant.

With this spirit in mind, the dining space is also a canvas that invites engagement. A green round table with a rotating tray can be converted to a Mahjong table; a 12-foot-long dining table in vibrant red invites exchanges between guests.

The design incorporates a flexible framework that allows the restaurant to evolve with seasonal themes and curated artwork.

Here, the interplay of materials, cultures, and art fosters a sense of ongoing transformation—both in the space itself and in the minds of those who gather within it.