Project Description
Surrounded by the exhilarating lights of Toronto’s culturally rich entertainment district is an intimate sanctuary honoring prestige and Japanese minimalism. Introducing the city to the iconic Nobu Hospitality Group, Studio Munge’s Presentation Gallery embodies a holistic journey through Nobu’s first fully integrated hotel, residence and restaurant development.
Guests enter through a long corridor informed by interiors walls shaped by vertical cypress wood slats emerging from the depths of a jet-black stone floor. The blond wood, reminiscent of the exclusive Japanese wood Hinoki, pays homage to the brand’s infamous cuisine and heritage. As the experience evolves, guests must embark into the space through a symmetrical water feature; the many delicate streams flow downwards from the ceiling gathering in a curved pool integrated into the darkness of the floor. The sounds of the bustling city dissipate as the rhythm of trickling water perform as a metronome of tranquility. The seamless succession of blond wood curves through the space with fluidity and simultaneously creates unity and distinction for each room.
The interior walls stimulate an infinite visual experience promoting a refreshing balance of honest materiality and the promise of the highly-anticipated development. Representative of the brand’s legacy, the unique application of blond wood elevates the experience of a sales centre into a harmonious recess of luxury.
Surface Material Profile
Materiality takes centre stage within the Nobu Presentation Gallery. With a holistic approach to design, Studio Munge leveraged two materials that create a striking duality of colour and form; a deep jet-black stone and blond wood.
The stone floors consist of Nero Assoluto stone tiles with a leathered finish from Ciot. The impressive millwork is a product of Matera Carpentry Contractors Ltd. and uses quarter-cut cypress in a clear coat finish. As the primary design feature, this light wood evokes the likeness of the traditional Japanese wood Hinoki which pays homage to Nobu’s heritage and cuisine while representing the design intent.
‘Alessandro Munge, IIDA, was named the 2018 Designer of the Year at the 39th Annual Interiors Awards Breakfast, presented by Contract, in New York. Munge leads the hospitality design firm Studio Munge in Toronto, which has gained increased international recognition for innovative, luxurious hospitality interiors that are consistent in their levels of beauty and detail.
The Designer of the Year accolade is Contract magazine’s most significant individual award. Selected by the editor in chief, it is awarded to designers who have already accomplished great work, but are on a trajectory to do much more. Thus, they are “on the cusp” of more greatness. It is a recognition of excellence in design, and leadership within the profession—someone who is having a notable impact.’ Contract
Published by Alys Bryan for Design Insider