A sober and immersive interior where metal, wood, and Silestone interact with elegance

In Bangkok, a Japanese corporate residence has been completely renovated to reinterpret the concept of corporate hospitality through design. Inside, a private bar becomes the heart of the project, a space that combines the sobriety of Japanese aesthetics with the warmth of handcrafted materials. The atmosphere is serene and immersive, designed to offer guests a contemporary retreat.

The project is centred around craftsmanship as an architectural language, as stated by Nendo, the studio leading the project: “The space was designed around Japanese craftsmanship. The wallpaper and wall panels were created in collaboration with artisans, resulting in an interior with finely crafted details that mimic the aesthetics of a product. A highlight is the room, completely clad with original bamboo panels.” In this way, everything is organised with millimetre precision, as if the interior were a large-scale design object.

At the centre of the space, the bar counter becomes the standout piece. Made with Silestone Bohemian Flame, its dark and satin surface captures the reflections of portable copper lamps, which cast golden glimmers onto the material and highlight its subtle metallic veins. “As it is a bar, water and stain resistance were essential,” suggests the designer. Regarding the choice of Silestone Bohemian Flame, it was also clear: “Given the function of the bar, a darker tone was preferred to match the walls. Bohemian Flame was selected for its beautiful metallic flecks, which perfectly complement the portable copper lamps placed on the bar.

“The project revolves around the idea that interior design can be a collection of carefully crafted objects,” explains the Nendo team. “That’s why we chose materials that balance functionality and aesthetic expression.”

The bar, with its immersive shape and seamless design, rests on a vertical cladding of black slats that contrasts with the glow of the backlit background. The latter is composed of ceramic pieces shaped like scales, manually arranged to create a three-dimensional and almost aquatic effect. Diffuse lighting from the ceiling, with a large lightbox replacing the windows, floods the space with a soft glow, while bronze, charcoal, and amber tones reflect on the surfaces, enhancing the sense of calm and sophistication.