Ushimaru Restaurant by Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture + Side by Side Architects

Located in the serene countryside of Sammu, Japan, Ushimaru Restaurant blends modern hospitality architecture with traditional craftsmanship. Designed by Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture in collaboration with Side by Side Architects, the project reimagines an existing European-style building while harmonizing with the surrounding agricultural landscape.

A Culinary Destination Rooted in Nature

Ushimaru Restaurant sources its ingredients from the fertile lands and nearby ocean, ensuring a farm-to-table dining experience. Dishes are served on handcrafted glassware that reflects the changing seasons, adding a tactile connection to the environment.

Architectural Expansion and Interior Design

The renovation focused on expanding the dining space, introducing a new entrance, lounge, and kitchen, and opening up the previously enclosed interior to panoramic landscape views. The existing structure, defined by exposed timber roof beams and a linear layout, now integrates two abstract volumes that extend its architectural language.

• A 45-degree pitched roof frames the new lounge, directing views toward the fields while shielding the space from overheating.
• The kitchen and service areas are housed in a contrasting low, opaque volume, enhancing the visual dynamism of the east facade.
• Silver galvalume cladding wraps the exterior, reflecting the sky and merging the building with its surroundings.

Materiality and Atmosphere

A wood-clad service wall lines the restaurant, seamlessly integrating storage, reception, and service counters. The material palette creates a balance between warmth and minimalism:

• Polished screed flooring and aluminum window frames lend the lounge a crisp, modern feel.
• Parquet flooring, wooden furniture, and focused lighting enhance the intimate atmosphere of the dining space.
• Custom handmade glass light fixtures and door handles, developed with SUGAHARA GLASSWORKS INC., extend the restaurant’s artisanal aesthetic.

Ushimaru Restaurant exemplifies contemporary Japanese restaurant design, merging sustainability, craftsmanship, and architectural innovation.

All Photographs are works of Axel Vansteenkiste