Point Seven Restaurant

This project was selected as a Merit winner in ARCHITECT's 2024 Architecture & Interiors Awards, Interiors: Hospitality category.

"I like the materials, the moves in terms of the integration of color, the bar. The fit and finish of this feels exquisite without feeling overly opulent." –Juror Ben Crawford

Point Seven restaurant offers a layered experience inspired by the ocean, emphasizing respect, admiration, and protection for marine ecosystems. To address the issue of ocean pollution, particularly plastic waste, the restaurant design thoughtfully incorporates repurposed post-consumer plastics in an elegant manner.

The restaurant features three distinct, visually cohesive dining experiences across two levels. The lower level draws inspiration from the seashore, welcoming guests with soft curves reminiscent of a shell sculpted by the ocean. Shifting and curving walls at the entry lead to a sculptural staircase that offers a glimpse into the upper dining area. The design elements subtly evoke a beach atmosphere without being overtly coastal. The broken terrazzo floor mimics the rocky seabed, and the Capiz shell back bar represents a glowing sun rising over the horizon. The ceiling, designed to resemble a wave, uses reflective material to create a spacious feel, with the back bar's reflection shimmering like sunlight on water. Sea foam-colored banquettes provide playful seating, and coral-inspired light fixtures add to the ambiance. The raw bar, with its glowing glass brick counter and elegantly lit wine display, anchors the space.

The upper level is inspired by the shapes and qualities of shells. At its center is FLOW, a collaboration with LASVIT, featuring hand-blown crystal glass elements that create a swirling school of fish-like shapes, casting dappled light from the chandelier. A warm metal reflective plate mirrors this display onto the ceiling, evoking the sensation of looking up at the water's surface from below.

Acoustic materials enhance the dining experience by ensuring a pleasant sound environment. An acoustical plaster ring surrounds the room, lit to create an endless feel to the low ceiling. The walls are softened with slim travertine tiles in various patterns. Intimate dining niches and a flexible private dining room feature low acoustic fabric-wrapped ceilings and deep ocean blue drapery.

At the end of the upper-level dining room is a 10-seat Omakase bar, highlighted by a glowing bronze back bar. The Omakase bar is designed to create an intimate, residential-scale experience, with a lowered ceiling featuring indirect lighting and soft fabric walls, making guests feel as if they are in a jewel box.

Studio Valerius is committed to sourcing natural materials and designing sustainably. The restaurant uses natural clay plaster, which is 100% compostable, and 100% recycled post-consumer plastic for counter and dining surfaces. This approach ensures that materials can biodegrade or be repurposed/recycled in the future.

Photography: Emily Andrews Photo

PROJECT CREDITS:Project: Point Seven
Location: 200 Park Avenue
Client/Owner: Hospitality Department
Architect:
Richard Chandler AIA, Founder
Natalie Imran, Architectural Designer, Founding Partner
Emir Dogan, Interior Designer, Founding Partner
Construction Start Date: 12/15/2023
Construction End Date: 10/4/2023
Interior Designer: Studio Valerius
Mechanical Engineer: AMA Group
Structural Engineer: AMA Group
Electrical Engineer: AMA Group
Construction Manager: Stys Hospitality
General Contractor: Vanguard Construction
Lighting Designer: BOLD
Other Consultants:
Primer Grey, Graphic Design
Dorothy Vogt, Purchasing
Heritage and View – Wine Consultants
Dale Travis Associates – Signage
Next Step Design – Food Services
Size in Square Feet: 8,400 sq ft
Cost: $4-5Million

MATERIALS AND SOURCES:
Acoustical System: Baswa Acoustic
Faucet: Kohler, Purist
Basin: Badeloft USA, Undermount Ramp Sink
Cister&Pan: Duravit USA, Starck 3
Newmat Northeast Corp.
Baswa Acoustic
Countertops: Smile Plastic, https://smile-plastics.com/
Decorative - Maya Romanoff
Walls - Clayworks Limited
Ceiling - Newmat Northeast Corp.
Stone – Travertine Bros.
Wall Tile – Theia
Custom Banquettes & Booths: Jay's Furniture Products
Seating: Walters Wicker
Starset S.R.L.
Ultra Modern
Tom Dixon Studio
Decorative Lighting:
Cym Warkov Ceramics
Lumens
Juniper Design -
Tala North America -
Masonry and Stone: Travertine Bros.
Paints and Finishes: Benjamin Moore & Co.
Walls: Clayworks Limited