The famous Netherlands-based architecture studio Atelier Nomadic has created a magnificent stingray-inspired overwater Yakitori Restaurant for the Banyan Tree Vabbinafaru resort in Maldives. Embracing biomimicry, the design of the overwater restaurant takes the shape of a pink whipray found in the surrounding lagoon region of North Male Atoll.
Banyan Tree wanted to create an open dining space for its guests and reached out to Atelier Nomadic for the task. The result was a naturally ventilated, bio-climatic restaurant that offers amazing sea views. A perfect place to enjoy the sunsets and be welcomed by the soft sea breeze.
Asali Bali, the contractor for this project used bamboo as the main structural material to develop the design of the overwater restaurant. Named Madi Hiyaa – which translates to ray shelter in the Dhivehi language – the restaurant pays tribute to stingrays that migrate throughout the Indian Ocean.
The rooftop of the restaurant resembles the upper body part of a stingray. The bamboo canopy holding the rooftop adds a sculptural essence to the entire structure.
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The entrance of the restaurant is narrow mimicking the stingray’s tail. The bamboo columns start from the tail to the main jetty of the overwater restaurant. The design created by the bamboo columns remains all organic providing stability and symmetry.
The inside of the restaurant has the appearance of the mouth of a giant manta ray. The furniture and lighting are thoughtfully chosen to let guests immerse in a wholesome experience. The huge bamboo structure of the roof sits on the bigger columns and reaches its peak in the form of a spine-like ridge. According to Atelier Nomadic, the timber-shingled rooftop of the stingray overwater restaurant will look like fish scales as they get older and will attract more tourists to this slice of heaven in the Maldives.
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