A Taste Journey from The Southeast
Project
Rempha
Client
Rempha
Location
Bangka, Bandung
Design
Interior - Studio Wangun, Objects & Furniture - Studio Mahardika
Size
275 m²
Year
2024
This restaurant was born from the mind of Dara Illahiya, an Indonesia Masterchef contestant that started her restaurateur venture in a Vietnamese dish joint. From there she expanded the journey to the complete archipelago of Southeast Asian culinary melting pot; Rempha. The idea is that this restaurant tries to embody the unique character of the region, neighboring the famously known silk road of China is the spice (re: Rempah / Rempha) road of Southeast Asia. The restaurant is located in Bandung’s downtown area within a military facility that is made available for public rent. With the translated main idea through design and given the situation of the site, our move to manifest them into a spatial form became a joyful experience. It is a laboratory for us to put our maturity in decision making, skill to calibrate between budget and timing, and deliver a sustainable intended design as the latest project in our portfolio.
Subtlety becomes a priority in the final shape of the building as it needs to blend well with the military facility that surrounds the restaurant. Furthermore the design approach tries to build a tropical ambience with vegetation being a repeated vocal point throughout the space. Sustainability is kept through using upcycled materials such as papers and wooden shades. We intend the shape to be a courtyard, with minimal partition and semi outdoor atmosphere. Ultimately the restaurant was built mainly using stone and concrete, with a play of textural variations. It derives from the fact that this material ties along the 11 countries concept of Southeast Asia where stone; may it be statues or temples are a signature. During our building process the timeline meets with a construction of another facility next to the restaurant. This was proven to help the ease of access with a decreased restriction for entry given the crowded traffic. The island shaped building is cornerless. Every side of it faces the visitors that it demands for perfection in terms of finishing from all sides. Another objective that is manifested from the sustainable concept is power efficiency. To minimize air conditioning, we try to exploit air flow and openings that end up in another challenge of high heat during sunny days and splashing during rainy ones. Additional modifications to the features such as shades, water ways, and plants are then added throughout the trial process.
The end product of Rempha’s construction delivers a versatile atmosphere for all occasions. Proper for ceremonial occasions, yet never intimidating for casual ones. Given the targeted concept and numerous constraints, we truly put our experience and skills to use in this project. With the use of no-brand materials, finesse in shaping concrete, sands, textures, and color play are exercised joyfully for us. It is one thing to deliver a grandiose scaled building when limitations on method, time, and budget are absent. However our journey of growth is only put at attest at projects with corridors where freedom to move is constrained. In the end we delivered the intended design, overcame the challenges, and proudly delivered a uniquely located restaurant with an in-depth concept.
