XENON Restaurant

Building on the concept that guided the lobby renovation, where the four states of matter of Xenon inspired a palette balancing fluidity, solidity, and lightness, the restaurant shifts toward a more grounded expression yet remains rooted in natural references. With a subtle nod to Brancusi’s essential forms, the palette of earth, stone, and wood is handled with minimalist clarity to emphasis purity and craftsmanship. The space unfolds as a calm, sculptural setting where each detail feels intentional and tactile, completed by soft, atmospheric lighting.

Access to the restaurant is provided through the main lobby, leading into the self-service area via a small vestibule. The layout follows a natural flow along the serving counter, guiding users toward the payment point and into the dining area, which accommodates approximately 75 people. The plan is simple and functional, offering varied seating options: a custom banquette runs along the walls with views to the exterior, complemented by loose tables with either softer or more bistro-style chairs in the center. A high table with stools adds a dynamic touch for those seeking a quicker lunch break.

Originally planned and equipped as an office space for lease, the area presented several constraints, including a raised flooring and an existing SAPP ceiling. Working within a standard office ceiling height, the design embraces this inherent compression to guide the eye outward toward the surrounding park.

Evoking a grounded atmosphere — almost as if inside the earth — where raw textures, a sense of shelter, and a tectonic quality replace airy openness, the space creates a feeling of solidity, immersion, and intimacy.

Given the project’s compact size and simple layout, the design focused on refined simplicity expressed through pure forms, honest materials, and a few distinctive details that define the project’s character. The main feature of the space is the cladded wall, executed with an ultra-thin stone layer backed by fiberglass resin: lightweight, slightly flexible, and translucent. This allowed us to integrate a soft, dimmable backlight that shifts the ambiance with ease, subtly revealing the stone’s texture and making it come alive with gentle reflections and an ember-like warmth. A sculpted wooden bench resting on travertine blocks traces the length of this wall, complementing the luminous backdrop with a quiet layer of craftsmanship that anchors the space.

The self-service counter was conceived as the central, solid gathering element of the space: discreet yet anchoring, blending naturally into its surroundings.

Designed to present the food clearly without dominating the room, it continues the restaurant’s material palette: darker, more immersive tones begin at the counter and deepen along the surrounding walls, while the central area remains lighter and more open. The bespoke element is built from MDF panels clad in stone sheets, with precise, directional lighting integrated to gently highlight the dishes.