Aimed at creating harmonious transitions between neighboring Nobu Hotel and a historic storefront, Nobu Garden Restaurant retains architectural expression while opening up to a planted exterior dining room. On the exterior façade, display windows framed by limestone columns peer into the garden and dining areas. A decorative, bronze element inspired by the Japanese Shoji Screen creates a sense of arrival and variation to the recessed entrance, while façade plantings and a subtly lit garden offer a tranquil experience.
The lush garden space is sustainably designed to improve air quality, support pollinators and mitigate urban heat island effect. The structure creates natural ventilation through bi-fold doors and gravity ventilators. Retractable fabric coverings shelter dining areas from sun and rain, and double as sun protection for non-native plantings reducing irrigation needs and evaporation from the soil in warm conditions. Shallow retention basins in the garden percolate storm water through the soil avoiding excess discharge to the street. The climate is further regulated by a radiant floor powered by recycled heat from kitchen equipment and the water heater.
