Gohan is a compact Japanese restaurant shaped around precision, rhythm and the direct relationship between preparation and dining. Developed within an existing hotel shell, the project transforms a limited footprint into a warm and highly functional interior, where oak, diffused light and graphic surfaces establish a distinct spatial identity.

Year: 2026

Location: Heraklion

Area: 67 m²

Status: Completed

The restaurant occupies a formerly vacant ground-floor unit within Ibis Styles Heraklion, directly opposite the hotel reception. The primary challenge was to introduce a clear and autonomous restaurant identity while adapting the new programme to the existing structure, infrastructure and circulation of the building.

Within an interior area of only 67 m², the design accommodates a complete professional kitchen, preparation and washing areas, storage, bar, service counter and dining space. Every intervention was therefore developed as part of a precise spatial system, allowing the different operational zones to coexist without compromising circulation, service efficiency or the experience of the guest.

The plan is organised around a continuous service spine extending along the length of the space. The open counter becomes both the functional core of the restaurant and its principal social interface, bringing the preparation process closer to the guest and allowing service to become part of the dining experience. This linear logic continues through the bespoke joinery, lighting and ceiling composition, creating visual order and an intuitive flow for both staff and visitors.

Above the counter, a continuous backlit stretch-membrane surface forms the visual horizon of the interior. Carrying the restaurant’s graphic language, it distributes a soft and uniform light across the space while contrasting with the darker and warmer material layers below. Custom cylindrical luminaires reinforce the horizontal rhythm of the composition, while integrated lighting defines the counter, bar shelving and textured surfaces without disrupting the restrained character of the interior.

Oak is used as the primary material throughout the restaurant, bringing warmth and tactility to the bar, furniture and custom-made joinery. It is paired with dark metal elements, pale stone-like surfaces, patterned wall finishes and deep red lighting, creating an atmosphere that is intimate, contemporary and subtly theatrical.

Rather than reproducing Japanese architecture through literal references, the design translates its underlying principles into spatial terms: precision, repetition, balance and material restraint. These qualities reflect the culinary philosophy of Pantelis Koutrakis, who describes Japanese cuisine through discipline, cleanliness, respect for ingredients and a contemporary form of personal expression.

The repetition of vertical timber elements, the geometric wall pattern and the illuminated linear features establishes a consistent rhythm throughout the interior. Darker surfaces visually recede, while the oak, translucent membrane and integrated lighting come forward, giving the compact space a greater sense of depth and continuity.

Full-height glazing maintains a strong visual connection with the surrounding public areas and allows the illuminated interior to become part of the night-time streetscape. Reflections multiply the linear lighting and warm material tones, softening the boundary between inside and outside while presenting the activity of the restaurant to the city.

The project was completed within one month from the beginning of construction. Careful detailing, close coordination between trades and continuous on-site adaptation were essential to integrate the new interventions with the existing shell and deliver a complete, fully operational restaurant within the required timeframe.

Project credits

Interior Architecture & Design: Studio11o1
Lighting Design: Studio11o1
Custom Furniture & Joinery Design: Studio11o1
Construction Coordination: Studio11o1
Photography: Raphail Lasithiotakis

Project-card description

A compact Japanese restaurant where a precise service spine, warm oak and diffused graphic light transform an existing hotel shell into an immersive dining environment.