Atelier E’s Parkside at Nina: Nature Cafe in HK

Parkside@Nina Nature Cafe in HK, designed by Atelier E, reimagines a dining experience that fuses nature-inspired storytelling with modern Italian flair. Located across from Hong Kong’s Nina Park, the restaurant invites guests on an immersive journey, drawing design inspiration from the park’s iconic wood fossils.

Design text by Enoch Hui of Atelier E, Photography by Dick Liu, Published with bowerbird

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The interior reflects an exploration theme, with contrasting spaces that guide diners from a low-ceiling entryway with hanging artificial flowers — evoking a cave-like mystery — to a grand, high-ceiling dining area that feels like a treasure-filled cavern. Each detail, from the reclaimed wood sculpture by Hong Kong Timberbank to the layered contour designs symbolizing fossil patterns, reinforces themes of preservation and connection to nature.

Sunlight filters through wooden rods in the high-ceiling space, creating an ever-changing play of light and shadow that enhances the atmosphere. Atelier E’s commitment to sustainable materials and local artistry makes Parkside@Nina a tribute to both nature and heritage, celebrating the beauty of Hong Kong’s natural landscape in a dining venue like no other.

Could you share the inspiration behind the design of Parkside@Nina? How did the proximity to Nina Park and the concept of wood fossils influence your vision for Nature Cafe in HK?

Nina Park is located directly in front of the Parkside@Nina restaurant, making it more than just a dining venue; it serves as a gateway to the valuable wood fossils found in the park. The concept of exploration is central to the restaurant’s design. We wanted to immerse visitors in the mood of excavation while incorporating a touch of Italian flair, given that it’s an Italian restaurant.

The restaurant features two distinct spaces: the low-ceiling dining area with upside-down artificial flowers and the high-ceiling area with vertical trusses. What was your design strategy in creating these contrasting yet harmonious environments?

The main entrance is situated in a low-ceiling area adorned with upside-down artificial flowers, designed to evoke a sense of entering a cave. As guests walk through, they transition into the high-ceiling dining area, resembling a grand cave chamber filled with treasures. This journey through the space is a key element of the design.

The upside-down flower installation in the low-ceiling area is a striking feature. Can you elaborate on the symbolism of this element and how it ties into the themes of preservation and the beauty of nature?
Hanging flowers upside-down is a traditional method of preservation, symbolizing the longevity of wood fossils. Additionally, the layered contour design reflects patterns often found in wood fossils, reinforcing the themes of preservation and nature’s beauty.

Sustainability plays a significant role in the design, with reclaimed wood from Nina Park being used for the sculpture crafted by Hong Kong Timberbank. How important was it for you to incorporate locally sourced, sustainable materials into this Nature Cafe in HK?

Many foreigners see Hong Kong as a city of skyscrapers, unaware that over 70% of it is covered in greenery. After typhoons, we have many damaged trees, and I take pride in recycling them into building materials. For Nina Park, we reused trees that were cut down during its construction, which adds meaningful value to Parkside@Nina.

The high-ceiling dining area has a grand, almost cathedral-like feel with its organic arches and wooden rods. How did you approach the architectural transformation of this space to evoke the feeling of a treasure-filled cave, and what challenges did you face in achieving this dramatic effect?

We focused on understanding the building’s inherent qualities before applying a more creative design approach. The high-ceiling area naturally featured a series of trusses along the curtain wall. We wrapped these trusses with arches and added thousands of horizontal wooden rods to enhance the cathedral-like perspective. Each arch’s top is intentionally designed in different organic shapes to create a natural cave-like effect.

Sunlight plays a key role in enhancing the atmosphere, particularly in the high-ceiling area where light filters through wooden rods to create shifting patterns. How did you integrate natural light into the design to create these dynamic, magical moments for diners?

During our initial site visit, we recognized the importance of sunlight. We aimed to enhance the magical ambiance by using sophisticated lines, such as the horizontal wooden rods, reminiscent of shadows cast through wooden blinds. These rods also help reduce glare for diners during the day.

The wood fossil wall art by Eunis Cheong adds an artistic layer to the dining experience. How did the collaboration with the artist come about, and what role does art play in complementing the restaurant’s design and theme?

The artwork, titled “Nirvana,” is an abstract piece that explores the wonders of wood fossils. It depicts their journey from the depths of the earth to their rebirth, showcasing nature’s unique imprint. The piece not only highlights the aesthetic beauty of wood fossils but also delves into their philosophical significance, inspiring viewers to cherish life and appreciate nature’s creations. This artwork serves as a sincere tribute to nature and life, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Looking back at the Nature Cafe in HK, what did you learn from the design process at Parkside@Nina? Are there any key takeaways or insights that you will carry forward in your future projects, particularly those that integrate nature and sustainability?

The Parkside@Nina Nature Cafe in HK has heightened our focus on sustainability. Our upcoming Michelin-star restaurant, currently under construction, aims to be one of the most sustainable in Hong Kong. We plan to use 90% locally sourced wood from damaged trees, along with recycled stones, fabrics, and plastering materials made from oyster shells. We are all looking forward to its completion.