GEMPOT Interior Design by Projject – A Contemporary Curio of Culinary Design and Architecture

Nestled along the tranquil riverbank of Anaya’s North Shore in Qinhuangdao, GEMPOT Restaurant by Projject redefines interior architecture through a poetic fusion of craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and modern minimalism. Occupying a 220-square-meter space within a cluster of futuristic white structures, the restaurant stands as a hidden gem—an experience of discovery and delight, much like unearthing a rare treasure within an intricately crafted Curio box.

A Hidden Gem on Anaya’s North Shore

The North Shore community, characterized by its low-rise white geometric architecture, evokes a dreamlike charm. Among these sculptural forms, GEMPOT reveals itself gradually—its soft facade textures, carefully proportioned windows, and subtle play of light creating an atmosphere of mystery and invitation. Visitors wandering the streets encounter glimpses of its intriguing form from different angles, and as they turn a corner, the restaurant unfolds before them like a secret waiting to be discovered.

Design Concept – The Art of Treasure and Taste

The very name GEMPOT draws inspiration from the concept of treasures—rare gems, pearls, and artifacts symbolizing delicacies from both land and sea. The design team at Projject, led by Keer Zhang, translated this metaphor into an immersive spatial journey. By extracting the essence of ancient treasure artifacts—their refined shapes, delicate textures, and layered craftsmanship—the team crafted an interior that feels precious yet natural.

The design language extends beyond ornamentation. The space embodies the process of exploration—opening, revealing, and rediscovering. Every element, from the layout to the lighting, echoes the ritual of uncovering beauty, much like lifting the lid of a Curio box to reveal hidden gems within.

Spatial Narrative – The Curio Box Reimagined

The Curio box, a traditional Chinese object for collecting miniature treasures, served as the project’s conceptual foundation. Within its 28x32 cm frame, countless drawers, sliding panels, and hidden compartments unfold to reveal surprises. GEMPOT translates this miniature wonder into architecture. The restaurant’s spatial rhythm—its interlocking boxes, open voids, and staggered vertical connections—creates a layered environment that invites exploration.

Each corner offers a unique sensory encounter: textured stone, polished wood, and soft light filtering through small apertures. These architectural gestures emulate the drawers, doors, and flaps of a Curio box, designed to guide visitors through sequences of revelation.

Architectural Continuity and Composition

The building housing GEMPOT mirrors the same principle as the Curio box—a stacking of volumes that play with alignment, enclosure, and void. Openings are carefully positioned to create framed views, both inward and outward. Windows act as curated “display cases,” transforming every framed scene into an artwork.

Projject maintained the existing three-story structure, respecting its natural light and dynamic geometry. New interventions—such as the open kitchen, dessert bar, and dining areas—were strategically inserted within the existing framework. The connection between these areas is achieved through sleek corridors, staircases, and sculptural lighting, ensuring fluid circulation while enhancing the visual narrative.

Materiality and Atmosphere

The interior palette reflects the aesthetic of ancient treasures—warm wood, soft stone, and glowing metal accents form a tactile landscape that feels both modern and timeless. Light plays a central role: indirect illumination highlights surfaces with a gem-like luster, while carefully placed apertures allow daylight to cascade across textures, amplifying the sense of depth and discovery.

A Journey of Discovery and Design

More than a dining destination, GEMPOT is an architectural experience—a sensorial dialogue between design, craftsmanship, and culinary art. It bridges the boundary between architecture and object, between space and story. Every moment inside the restaurant captures the essence of uncovering a treasure: curiosity, reflection, and delight.

All the photographs are works of Junning Yang