Golden A' Design Award Winner 2025
Ayse Kubilay's Aka Teppanyaki Restaurant presents a masterfully orchestrated interior composition where deep architectural symmetry anchors a sophisticated dialogue between Eastern design philosophy and contemporary luxury hospitality aesthetics, the eye immediately drawn to a powerful central axis formed by a monumental timber-clad column that bisects the space with geometric precision while supporting an extraordinary ceiling installation of descending terracotta-hued cylindrical elements arranged in rhythmic vertical clusters reminiscent of bamboo groves or pipe organ arrays, these suspended forms creating a dramatic overhead canopy that transitions the upper register from dark perforated metal panels punctuated by circular apertures to the warm organic materiality of raw wood, the compositional armature adhering to rigorous bilateral symmetry as identical seating arrangements mirror each other across the central spine with curved banquette modules upholstered in sophisticated charcoal wool flanking intimate circular dining tables, the chromatic architecture establishing a refined palette dominated by warm neutrals and carefully calibrated accent tones where deep burgundy and oxblood red appear in plush velvet lounge chairs positioned as foreground sentinels and echoed in coral-toned napkins folded upon place settings, the luminosity emanating primarily from translucent shoji-inspired screen walls that diffuse natural or artificial light through traditional grid patterns creating a soft ethereal glow against which sculptural pendant fixtures resembling abstracted ginkgo leaves or lotus petals float in organic clusters, their delicate cream-colored forms providing counterpoint to the architectural severity while brass and brushed gold accents punctuate the space through table lamps, fixture hardware, and subtle trim details that catch light and establish warmth against the cooler gray tones of polished concrete flooring, the spatial construction achieving remarkable depth through layered planes progressing from intimate foreground seating through the illuminated middle-ground screen wall to suggested spaces beyond, textural complexity emerging from the juxtaposition of smooth upholstery against rough-hewn timber, matte fabric against reflective metal, and the optical texture of the perforated ceiling against solid architectural mass, the overall atmospheric resonance evoking contemplative refinement and theatrical intimacy appropriate to the ceremonial dining tradition of teppanyaki cuisine.
Aka Teppanyaki is a modern Japanese and Asian cuisine restaurant located in one of the most unique bays of the Mediterranean. It has an impressive atmosphere, focuses on offering an unforgettable dining experience to guests. Sliding translucent doors, called fusuma in Japanese architecture, dress some of Aka's facades as backlit lattice style wall coverings and pendant lights, inspired by the fans used by Japanese women, illuminate the dining tables. The 3D ceiling system takes its color from the flames coming from hotplate.