GUD Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Hangzhou, STUDIO8 

Located in the central area of Hangzhou, China, GUD Restaurant & Cocktail Bar breathes new life into a 1930s heritage villa, blending rich history with contemporary design. Crafted by STUDIO8, this hotpot restaurant and craft cocktail venue is a celebration of both culinary art and architectural innovation. The villa, once overtaken by urban sprawl, has been meticulously restored, preserving its original façade while adapting to modern functionality.

GUD’s design draws inspiration from the fundamental elements of hotpot cuisine: heat, water, and steam. The ground floor channels “heat,” with vivid red floors, a dramatic fireplace stretching to the ceiling, and bold textures fostering a lively and sociable atmosphere. On the second floor, “water” takes centre stage, symbolising unity as diners gather around circular tables surrounded by glass brick niches, resin accents, and preserved historic details. The journey culminates on the third floor and terrace, embodying “steam” and the elevation of flavour, where guests enjoy a VIP dining experience paired with panoramic city views in minimalist yet striking geometric spaces.

Through innovative features like mirrored ceilings, U-shaped glass staircases, and copper accents, STUDIO8 has harmonised heritage and modernity. GUD offers a vivid, immersive experience that celebrates the essence of hotpot and the enduring spirit of the villa’s history.

Saka Museum and Café, Napp Studio and Architects 

Nestled within the tranquil Ayana Estate in Jimbaran, Bali, the SAKA Museum by Napp Studio & Architects invites visitors on an immersive journey into Balinese Hinduist culture and traditional crafts. Drawing on Bali’s deep connection to nature, the design integrates elements such as the serene night sky of Nyepi, volcanic rocks, water caves, and Indonesia’s jasper and agate, creating a rich architectural tapestry. Rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana – harmony between God, nature, and humanity – the space reinterprets traditional motifs through a contemporary lens, crafting an experience both timeless and reflective.

A key highlight is the SAKA Café, seamlessly integrated into the museum’s narrative. Offering a serene retreat, it features pebble-shaped seating inspired by meditative stone stacking, created from local aggregates and cast in GRC. Open daily, the café invites guests to relax with artisanal beverages like passionfruit iced tea or Frappuccino coffee, enjoying a tranquil ambiance that mirrors the museum's meditative essence.

Elsewhere, the museum’s entrance gallery evokes Nyepi’s sacred night sky, with a pitch-black ceiling punctuated by 3,000 mini-LEDs that transform into a celestial spectacle at dusk. The shop, adorned with moss agate tones, and features like a spiral ramp echoing Bali’s water caves, further enrich the experience. By blending local craftsmanship and natural materials, the SAKA Museum and Café serve as a sanctuary of Balinese heritage, bridging tradition and modernity.