Basan, Eddystone Restaurant

Extensive coordination across the ceiling space was required to ensure all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were held tight to the underside of the floor above and still be sensitive to multi-family units directly above the space, unit infrastructure and sound isolation, along with the historic limitations of the tall, arched windows. The display kitchen required a large hood for the Robata grills and covers nearly the entire first floor kitchen ceiling. Elaborate suspended wood screens above the Chef’s Bar and Main Bar required careful structural engineering to not only support the structure, but also storage cabinets and rolling ladders.

The pieces ultimately fit together like the Kumiki puzzles that inspired the design. The design blends Italian Renaissance architectural language and planning strategy, the warmth of northern Japanese farmhouses and the origin of Robatayaki cooking, with the edginess of the Japanese Sukeban subculture. Basan becomes authentically Detroit with vases and hand-painted art by local artisans in a theatrical environment with luxury materials, moody lighting, and a front row seat to this unique dining event.