Located in the heart of Mexico City’s Roma district, Umai is a Japanese restaurant whose interiors are as organic as its menu. Inspired by the dichotomy of nature and the industrial aesthetics of the city, Alexander Díaz Andersson, creative director of Atra, created an open space dining area that merges with an outdoor Japanese garden.
A mix of shou sugi ban, blackened wood, and brass detailing form the stylistic backbone of this sushi restaurant. The oxidized metals and burnt woods will evolve over time being exposed to the elements. Against the simple palette, these materials will create a space the ages with grace. At the center of the Japanese garden is a brass sun sculpture that protrudes high into the trees.
Raised in Sweden, Díaz Andersson studied in Spain before moving to the Yucatán Peninsula, where he first started experimenting with furniture. He founded Atra Studio in 2008 as a home for both his custom furnishings and sculptures, as well as interiors and hospitality projects. Trained in industrial design, Díaz Andersson combines academic learning with knowledge passed down from experienced artist mentors for his works, which he describes as “a studied balance of chaos and structure, fluidity and function.”
For more shou sugi ban-style design, be sure to take a look at how Rocky Rochon embraced the beauty of imperfection in this Seattle penthouse.
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