Arkhé by studio Gram is a bar and dining room that responds to the ritual of cooking over the fire through the ephemeral nature in time and decay with an acknowledgment of the beauty in everyday life. Inspiration is taken from the colors and textures of nature, where frayed fabric, worn ceramics, knots in the wood, and imperfections are all celebrated.
The original site came with a level change spanning from the entry to the rear courtyard, along with an elongated corridor-like connection from the entry to the rear of the site. The team took this as an opportunity to create three distinct and simple zones—the lounge, dining room and courtyard. Like an ombre procession of light to dark, the lounge is the darkest and moodiest space, setting the tone for the dining experience as you enter.
The dining room wraps the kitchen, with seating elements along the bar offering a spot for diners to be entranced by the fire-laden kitchen. Booths are intersected by a ramp that connects the entry level to the dining room while above subtle light filters overhead via well-placed skylights. Background to the restaurant is the green oasis of the courtyard, peeping out through circular windows and black-lined French doors, the yin to the dark lounge’s yang.