Olivino
Restaurant for Olivino
The project transforms a former industrial exhibition hall into a Michelin level dining space through a strategy of dialogue rather than coverage. Retaining the original double height, column free structure and iconic skylight grid, the design integrates refined insertions such as a circular glass wine cellar and sculptural copper stove to mediate scale and circulation. Natural and artificial light are orchestrated to shape an immersive atmosphere, allowing industrial rationality and culinary warmth to coexist within a cohesive spatial framework.
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Olivino by Not A Studio
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Restaurant by Not A Studio
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Unique Properties
This project transforms a former industrial "white box" exhibition hall into a Michelin-level restaurant through a strategy of dialogue rather than coverage. By retaining the original steel dome and column-free volume, and integrating refined insertions such as a circular glass wine cellar and copper stove, the design reconciles industrial rationality with culinary warmth. Light becomes a spatial medium, shaping an immersive emotional container within a preserved architectural framework.
Tags
Adaptive Reuse, Industrial Heritage, Michelin Restaurant Design, Light Narrative, Spatial Dialogue, Experiential Dining, Column-Free Space, Glass Wine Cellar, Urban Riverfront, Contemporary Nordic Influence
Production Technology
The intervention optimized the existing steel structure and skylight system while concealing MEP lines within upgraded roof assemblies to improve waterproofing and thermal insulation. A circular glass revolving door was repurposed into a bottle-shaped wine cellar, acting as a spatial mediator. Custom metalwork, inverted copper stove fabrication, art paint finishes, handmade brick and gold foil detailing were integrated with precise lighting coordination to maintain tectonic clarity.
Design Challenge
The primary challenge was reconciling Michelin-level refinement with a raw industrial shell. Structurally preserving the skylight grid while upgrading insulation, waterproofing and concealed services required precise coordination. Balancing openness with intimacy in a column-free volume demanded strategic insertion of circular elements. The design avoided excessive decoration, ensuring dialogue with the original architecture rather than superficial overlay.
Project Duration
The project started in January 2025 and finished in May 2025 in China.
Operation Flow
Guests enter through glass revolving doors into a fluid, open hall. The circular wine cellar and copper stove organize circulation, creating intuitive movement without partitions. Daylight animates the space through skylights; at night, layered lighting forms intimate dining zones. Seating layout ensures river views for each table, while indoor and outdoor scenes visually interact through large grid glazing.
Research
This project is a practice-based spatial research exploring the adaptive reuse of an industrial exhibition hall for fine dining. Through spatial analysis, studies and on-site structural assessment, the design team developed strategies to integrate refined hospitality functions within a preserved industrial shell. The result demonstrates a balanced transformation model that enhances user experience while offering a replicable approach for heritage revitalization and urban cultural activation.
Inspiration
The project was inspired by the intrinsic experiential commonality between exhibition and dining spaces. Rather than replacing function, the design continues the emotional narrative of the original industrial architecture. The motivation was to respect the building's artistic heritage while introducing warmth and refinement. The concept evolved from studying spatial memory and user perception, seeking a balance between industrial austerity and Nordic-influenced humanistic comfort
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Mountain imagery, Olivino, 2025. Image #2: Photographer Mountain imagery, Olivino, 2025. Image #3: Photographer Mountain imagery, Olivino, 2025. Image #4: Photographer Mountain imagery, Olivino, 2025. Image #5: Photographer Mountain imagery, Olivino, 2025.
Project Overview
Olivino Restaurant has been a Platinum winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Platinum Recognition
Not A Studio was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Olivino Restaurant.
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