FBEYE International is proud to announce the completion of its latest project – the elegant redesign of Hamabe Japanese restaurant at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
Hamabe’s open layout created by FBEYE International enables guests to experience the ambience of a refined Japanese street, while enjoying the unique flavours and design inspirations from different regions of Japan.
Integrating Art With Functionality Initial impressions of the restyled Hamabe are infused with Japanese art. Arriving at the foyer of the restaurant, guests are greeted by an oversized canvas artwork flanked by a collection of different sized jars representing classic Japanese vessels.
Having entered the spacious, open design, three distinctive Teppanyaki, Robatayaki, and Sushi and Sashimi counters are incorporated into the Japanese village street theme. Each counter area enables direct interaction between guests and the restaurant chefs and staff. Inspired by Japanese dining culture, the private Sushi and Sashimi dining area features delicate screen partitions which incorporates Japanese decorative elements that create intimacy and privacy without isolating diners from the surrounding environment.
Facing the Teppanyaki counter is a traditional screen designed with ornate panels depicting contemporary Japanese floral elements and inset lighting at the top and bottom. The backdrop to the Robatayaki counter, the newest addition at Hamabe, introduces cooking methods from the Sendai region of Japan, where local fishermen would gather around a communal source of heat to cook their daily catch while also keeping warm. An authentic Japanese menu board burned onto bamboo stalks elegantly combines the character and interpretation of local art and culture.
Inspired by Colourful Traditions Japanese design inspiration was also mined to create a sleek slatted oak timber wrap that dresses the exhaust hood on the Teppanyaki counter. The specially selected fabrics are based on a traditional form of Japanese hand sewing using a simple running stitch in repeated or interlocking patterns called sashiko. With the advancement of technology and a desire for more diverse patterns, sashiko quickly expanded in scope and became established throughout Japan as a stylised form of embroidery.
The fabric accent colours on the delightful floral patterns in the Sushi and Sashimi area are derived from the Japanese technique of combining reddish-brown organic liquid prepared from the fermented juice of unripe green persimmons, called kakishibu.
Exclusively upholstered by FBEYE International, the dining chairs are covered with a rich, dark blue fabric that interprets Japanese organic indigo dye, which is used for colouring for cotton textiles. Over time, use and washing, the dark blue appearance will gradually fade to produce a visually striking, variegated pattern that is a unique feature of indigo. This blue shade has historically been preferred in Japanese textiles because it mirrors the hue of the oceans surrounding the Japanese islands, a symbol that remains both culturally and economically important across the country.
Completing the look, existing timber floor was sanded and stained to create an oak timber finish that blends seamlessly with the restaurant’s naturally inspired colour palette.
Warren Foster-Brown, Managing Director of FBEYE states, “As a specialist in designing award-winning five-star hotel and resort projects, working with numerous brands around the world, we pride ourselves on adapting and incorporating unique elements of culture, heritage and the natural landscape into all aspects of design. For the sophisticated redesign of Hamabe, the signature Japanese restaurant at The Westin Nusa Dua resort in Bali, we combined uniquely Japanese elements into the layout, furniture, lighting, fabric selection and architecture that add both authenticity and aesthetic value to the guest experience.”