Uma Nota Manila
the odd duck design
Agency: The Odd Duck Design
Client: Uma Nota
Upon first seeing the space, the designers recognized the building's potential, from the grand ground floor arrival to the corner staircase and the impressive 8-meter double-height central area. The client emphasized an "intimate, moody, and personable" atmosphere to ensure the design was impressive but not alienating. Spanning 650 m², the restaurant was divided into three zones: The Living Room & Bar, Tropicalia (Brazilian room), and Meiji (Japanese room). Uma Nota’s concept serves as an homage to the Japanese - Brazilian interwoven identities in Sao Paolo. Seeking opportunities, thousands of Japanese immigrants set sail for the fertile lands of São Paulo in the 1920s, finding a home in the vibrant neighborhood of Liberdade. Facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Liberdade became a cultural hub where the Japanese community interwove with the vibrant tapestry of the Brazilian society. The client brief was to create a design that captures the essence of this marriage of cultures, one that effortlessly transforms from a sophisticated dining space to a vibrant nightlife venue. The Living Room occupies the double-height space, featuring a neutral palette. A suspended preserved tree with silk leaves is set against plaster-adorned walls and curved arches, with dramatic lighting and silhouettes enhancing the room. The floor is lined with hardwood parquet in a basketweave pattern, softened by locally sourced sisal rugs. The bar contrasts industrial materials like polished copper and mirrored ceilings with soft, tactile finishes of pink-hued velvets and leathers. A bespoke wallcovering with tropical prints celebrates Brazil’s flora and fauna, serving as a backdrop to the bottle gantry. The central challenge was to design a space that maintains its elegance during the day and transforms into an energetic and exclusive venue at night. From the initial brainstorm sessions, the intention was to stir away from the expected interpretation of Brazil-inspired interior with vibrant colors and tropical patterns, and go towards a more ethereal and sculptural approach by capturing Brazil’s raw and uninhibited nature. The hanging installation represents exactly that: a real preserved tree with intricate silk leaves, gracefully suspended at the heart of the double height space. The private-dining rooms, Tropicalia and Meiji, showcase their unique identities and multifunctional space-planning. Tropicalia draws inspiration from the Brazilian movement that redefined 1970s counterculture, with a corner dedicated to music enthusiasts featuring original vinyls, curvaceous forms, and pink hues. Meiji, on the opposite side, is adorned with bespoke wallcovering shimmering in rich blues and gold leaf accents. A whimsical marble communal table and velvet mustard sofas frame the space, offering a sensory-rich dining experience. This innovative design approach, combined with high-quality materials and thoughtful space planning, makes Uma Nota a standout destination that effectively blends cultural elements and multifunctionality, creating a unique dining and nightlife experience in Manila.