# Daughters Studio Uses Tactile Materials for Vancouver's Jeju Restaurant A contemporary interior design blending traditional Korean architectural elements with raw, unrefined natural materials. - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/02b0020e-034b-4afa-9401-0fb63a396f7c ## Conceptual Design Foundation The design of Jeju restaurant in Vancouver serves as a physical translation of the menu created by chef Dylan Kim and his mother, Myungseok Suh. By focusing on the intersection of modern culinary techniques and traditional Korean recipes, the studio established a narrative foundation that bridges generational and cultural gaps through architecture. ## Materiality and Texture Daughters studio selected a palette of basalt, cork, concrete, thatch, and wood to create a tactile environment. Basalt, a volcanic rock synonymous with Jeju Island, was utilized for the bar, host stand, and chef’s table. These materials were chosen specifically to retain their natural, unrefined character within the contemporary restaurant space. ## Central Architectural Feature The 44-seat restaurant features a reinterpretation of a traditional Korean thatched house, known as a chogajip, at its center. Constructed from lumber and hand-thatched grass, this installation acts as an artisanal focal point. It anchors the interior, providing a direct link to the architectural heritage of the restaurant's namesake island. ## Acoustics and Flooring The studio retained the existing concrete floor, polishing it to highlight natural color variations throughout the space. To balance the hardness of the concrete and basalt, cork cladding was applied to the walls. This choice serves a dual purpose: it adds a soft, warm aesthetic while providing necessary acoustic dampening for diners. ## Traditional Ritual Integration Beyond static materials, the design incorporates the jeongnang, a traditional three-pole gate system from Jeju Island. Historically, this system communicated the presence of household members. At the restaurant, staff lower two poles near the entrance daily to signal that the establishment is open, turning a historical artifact into a functional ritual. ## Facade and Interior Contrast While the exterior of the building features a modern, industrial steel-mesh facade, the interior offers a starkly warmer experience. The juxtaposition between the exterior's metallic rigidity and the interior's organic, tactile surfaces creates a distinct transition for guests. This contrast emphasizes the studio's intent to prioritize comfort and sensory engagement. ## Design Philosophy of Memory Principal Emma Sims emphasized the goal of introducing elements of ritual and memory into the commercial environment. By integrating specific architectural traditions alongside raw materials, the design avoids superficial decoration. Instead, it creates a cohesive atmosphere where the physical space actively participates in the storytelling of the restaurant's unique culinary heritage. ## Impact on Restaurant Identity The project demonstrates how material selection can define a brand's identity in the competitive Vancouver dining scene. By grounding the interior in the specific geology and history of Jeju Island, the architects successfully created a space that feels authentic. This approach highlights the growing trend of using heritage-based design to differentiate hospitality venues. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/04/jeju-restaurant-daughters/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._