Dining out in Shenzhen becomes an increasingly difficult affair, and the recent opening of Voisin Organique adds to the problem of picking the right restaurant—or maybe not. Situated at Upper Hills, a prestigious mixed-use complex which arguably is the city’s most coveted address where to shop, do business or put down one’s roots, the dining venue has become a bit of a sensation among well-heeled gourmets, and not just because of the tasty organic fare. Concealed by a double-height bronze façade, the front windows can be closed by shutters adorned with bespoke convex lenses. When closed, these obviously inspire passers-by to have a peek inside. The interior design, also created by local architecture practice Various Associates, adds further to the visual mystique, featuring two voluminous spaces with interestingly layered sight lines. Based on the concept of ‘wandering in valleys’, indicating free exploration in wild nature, the settings aim to transport guests into another world. The ceilings show great height discrepancy and some are as high as precipices, directing one’s gaze upwards.
Among two suspended ceilings, there is a deep gully that extends up to the top, where light, seemingly from nowhere, shines downwards. But there’s more intentional visual effects in the house, and it’s applied quite inventively. Inside the entrance, a large double-height area, a huge flue wrapped in fire-resistant material is situated, produces striking effects. In the adjacent lounge, this light blends with the light from above and what enters through the aforementioned lenses, creating just the right atmosphere to kick back and sip some bubbly. The lounge also accommodates a little shop brimming with tea products, carefully sourced from organic tea gardens across China. A corridor leads to the detached dining space which is similarly defined by lighting. Here, the decor is defined by a deep red ceiling, rough wall surfaces and black furniture pieces. The kitchen at Voisin Organique is headed by chef Rosetta Lin whose fare is traditional Chinese with modern twists and international flavours, but it’s all organic, using fresh and certified produce flown in from the restaurant’s very own farm in Europe.
Voisin Organique
Upper Hills, 5001 Huanggang Lu, Shop S209 (Futian)
518038 Shenzhen
Telephone: +86 133 22987869
Mon-Fri 11-2 (lunch)
Mon-Sun 5.30-10 (dinner)
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
