Courtyard by Marriott Restaurant Interior, Yerevan

A Contemporary Hospitality Space Rooted in Armenian Materiality

The newly opened Courtyard by Marriott in Yerevan marks a significant addition to Armenia’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. Located on Teryan Street in the heart of the capital, the hotel introduces a refined yet locally grounded dining experience through the interior design of its restaurant, terrace, and lounge, conceived by STUDIO SHOO. Spanning an area of 395 square meters, the project translates the global Courtyard by Marriott brand ethos into a space that resonates deeply with local culture, craftsmanship, and material expression.

Commissioned by Marriott International and the Galaxy Group, STUDIO SHOO approached the project with the ambition of creating a destination that extends beyond hotel guests to attract Yerevan’s urban community. The design balances international brand standards with a strong sense of place, embedding Armenian identity into a contemporary hospitality interior that feels both welcoming and distinctive.

The interior concept is inspired by natural landscapes and regional gastronomy, drawing from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions that define the restaurant’s menu. Earth, sea, and environment become guiding themes, expressed through a carefully curated palette of terracotta, ochre, rich burgundy, brick tones, and softened accents of green and blue. These colours establish a warm, immersive atmosphere while reinforcing a connection to the surrounding landscape.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are immediately greeted by an open kitchen anchored by a striking burgundy pizza oven. This focal point emphasizes transparency and craftsmanship, allowing diners to observe every stage of food preparation. The spatial layout encourages movement and interaction, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a social hub within the hotel.

Seating arrangements are deliberately varied to accommodate different dining experiences, ranging from round and square tables to an oval communal table that encourages shared dining. Comfortable sofas, bar seating, and flexible arrangements ensure adaptability throughout the day, supporting casual gatherings as well as more intimate dining moments. This diversity of seating enhances the restaurant’s appeal to both hotel guests and local residents.

Materiality plays a central role in defining the interior character. Natural veneer is extensively used for custom shelving, tables, sofas, and service stations, all crafted by local furniture makers. The floor design becomes a standout feature of the project, incorporating handcrafted copper inlays arranged in a precise pattern derived from the overall design concept. These copper elements are set into concrete, creating a tactile surface that subtly reflects light and reinforces the artisanal quality of the space.

Handcrafted details are woven throughout the interior, adding layers of texture and narrative depth. Panels made from hand-picked dried flowers sourced from Armenian fields introduce organic softness and a direct connection to nature. At the bar counter, floral and leaf motifs designed by a local artist further strengthen the dialogue between architecture, craft, and cultural expression. Copper, marble, rattan, and dried botanicals collectively enrich the interior with authenticity and warmth.