A Modern Take on Vietnamese Heritage: Inside Lush Bowl ‘n Roll’s Unique Design
Lush Bowl ‘n Roll in Strathfield designed by Squareone Atelier, exemplifies a thoughtful fusion of tradition and modernity, reflecting the essence of Vietnamese culture while appealing to a contemporary audience. Designed with a compact 63m² footprint, including a 28m² kitchen, the interior maximizes functionality without compromising on aesthetics. The project seamlessly integrates elements like colonial French windows, street murals, encaustic tiles, and rattan accents to evoke nostalgia, while modern touches such as LED-lit curved counters and turquoise seating infuse the space with vibrancy. Balancing cultural resonance with innovative design, Lush Bowl ‘n Roll creates a unique dining atmosphere that is both visually engaging and deeply rooted in Vietnamese heritage.
photography by Andrew Worssam, published with bowerbird
Lush Bowl ‘n Roll strikes a balance between authentic Vietnamese essence and modern aesthetics. How did you approach blending traditional Vietnamese design elements with contemporary trends to create a unique dining atmosphere?
The Lush Bowl n Roll design project responds to the client’s request for a space that reflects the essence of their Vietnamese cultural heritage while ensuring efficient operation and maintenance. With a total area of 63m2, including a 28m2 kitchen space, the strategy to use the dining space effectively in the layout is quite essential.
At first glance, the integration of colonial French windows with street murals enriches the traditional ambiance, creating an immersive dining experience. Additionally, randomized encaustic tiles and rattan elements evoke a sense of oriental culture, while the turquoise banquet seat color and timber furniture harmonize with the overall design scheme.
These carefully curated colours, materials, and textures enhance the traditional atmosphere for diners.
The counter design features a striking aesthetic, highlighted by its curved form and LED lighting, complemented by bamboo battens that contrast with the space’s other elements. This intentional contrast adds a modern touch, seamlessly connecting with other design elements. The curved details not only facilitate movement in tight spaces but also contribute to softening the atmosphere.
Materiality and texture seem to be key features in the design of Lush Bowl ‘n Roll. What materials did you prioritize to evoke familiarity for diners, and how do these choices reflect the restaurant’s Vietnamese roots?
This architectural project, despite modest investment, exemplifies excellent interior design by seamlessly blending nostalgic and traditional elements from middle of Vietnam with modern design features. Colors and materials are thoughtfully selected to honour Vietnamese culture while also appealing to a vibrant Strathfield community, particularly attracting younger clientele.
Strategic design choices, such as utilizing window frames to create a wider sense of space and maximizing the airy ceiling, contribute to an open and inviting atmosphere.
Traditional materials are skillfully integrated with modern architectural elements, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Overall, this project demonstrates a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, creating an interior that is visually captivating, culturally resonant, and highly functional.
What were the biggest challenges in translating Vietnamese cultural elements into a modern restaurant design, and how did you ensure that the space remained inviting and accessible to a broader audience?
Project Lush bowl n roll showcases truly innovative aspects in its design approach. By skillfully integrating Vietnamese vernacular materials with colour and lighting, the project achieves a contemporary aesthetic while preserving nostalgic details. The strategic use of lights and colours not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for the store. Despite budget constraints and strict Strathfield center requirements, the team maximizes every centimeter of space to ensure functionality and efficiency. This innovative approach demonstrates a creative solution to challenges, resulting in a design that is both visually striking and highly practical, elevating the overall dining experience for customers
