Kraz UAE, New Sharjah Restaurant, University City Rd Building, Middle East Dining Images
Kraz Restaurant Sharjah
5 July 2020
Kraz Restaurant in Sharjah
Architects: H2R Design
Location: University City Road, Industrial Area, Muwailih Commercial, Sharjah, UAE
H2R Design modernises the Majlis concept with Emirati restaurant Kraz tucked away in the heart of Sharjah
Dubai, UAE: The award-winning design firm H2R DESIGN developed Kraz, a modern Emirati restaurant located in a residential area and close to universities in Sharjah. The boutique firm designed Kraz in a way that lets diners discover the eloquence of Emirati traditions, while enjoying a minimalistic ambiance harmonized between luxury and simplicity with singular tones and subtle patterns.
The natural flow caused by the architecture of the space invites guests into a comfortable and hospitable atmosphere with seating options catering to the wishes of diners. Modern chairs and tables sprawl across the central area, while the side walls nest majlis style cushioned sofas and lowered tables. A private majlis area is also available for more intimate gatherings.
H2R Design was briefed to create an inviting space that suits the contemporary Emirati lifestyle with a manifestation of the new while appreciating and honouring the traditions and values of older generations.
H2R Design’s inspiration for the interior design of the restaurant was influenced by the cosiness of the historical majlis which represents the space for warm gatherings, a place dedicated to important conversations, a dwelling to share food, laughter and memorable moments. The cultural connection paved the way for the development of the design, ensuring the local flair is represented in detail. Simultaneously, the interior design of Kraz also takes an understated approach to modern design; adding sophistication and richness with the utilization of textures.
“Instead of changing the space into a present-day style restaurant concept, we wanted to pay tribute to the tradition of the Emirati culture and create a space that offers the beauty of the majlis seating combined with today’s popular furniture styles. This created an inclusive space, celebrating the old and the new with diners not having to compromise their way of life,” explained Hasan and Husain Roomi, co-founders of H2R Design.
The combination of the brief and the inspiration led H2R Design to create a space that represents the serenity and stillness found in Emirati homes and extending that into a modern oasis experience. Grey tones were installed on the walls and couches to add refinement, while symmetrical shapes defined the angles and shadows. The beauty in the minimalist design was highlighted with the application of intricate patterns on subtle tones of grey.
Geometry is one of the defining aspects of the holistic design and H2R Design carefully incorporated it from the beautifully carved Mashrabiya panels and benches to the intricate carpets and floor tile patterns.
A customized carpet was designed for the floor seating dining area with orderly tiles on the main dining area and a beautifully designed tapestry to adorn the bar wall.
Intricately carved Mashrabiya panels pertaining to the characteristic of Arabic residences, are made of wood and placed on the ceiling, walls and also as a hallway divider.
The geometric design is further reinforced in the breeze blocks distinctly visible upon entering Kraz. This key design element reminiscent of old residential buildings in the UAE has for generations been placed for their functional attributes and as a design trend. At Kraz, they were purposefully added to allow natural light to flow throughout the day as the location is not sun facing. They are also used aesthetically, as the beautiful pattern of each individual block adds to a greater ornamentation while simultaneously providing partial privacy from the entrance to the restaurant’s interior space.
H2R Design had to add in indirect light as much as possible, as the space lacked access to natural luminosity. That led to the addition of large windows to capture the brightness and to create a cosy and homey mood with lots of natural sunlight. As for artificial lighting, rustic round pendants lights were hung from the ceiling to emphasize the appeal of an old-age lantern but brought to a modern design accent.
The walls are covered with textured paints in hues of greys to represent the modernity that the region has become accustomed to. To augment the tones of simplicity and luxuriousness, handmade porcelain wall tiles were imported from Modena, Italy and mounted in the main dining area in gold and silver, providing elegance and magnificence. This feature emulates a warm colour palette with a splash of the bold but with elusive hues strategically placed to capture and attract.
The bar area is also designed with textured paint and with the geometric patterns for the design story to continue. The concrete substrate for the bar stand creates the opportunity to display traditional tea pots.
The countertops are crowned with marble stone to stay true to the context. H2R Design wanted to show the beauty in aging marble as its characteristics of swirls and veins add value to its history.
The colourful Monaco feature rug behind the bar creates a bold statement. Apart from being a trend, rugs are a great way to make a space interesting or a talking point within a room by hanging it to the wall as a piece of art. H2R Design wanted to make use of the vertical space behind the bar by filling it with texture and colour that completes the overall story.
Art also played a key role in the geometric design story. Black and white photographs of UAE’s historical architecture, environment and traditions are in placed on each room to commemorate local heritage. The photos collected by the client, depicting local inspiration and the historical references are displayed across the rooms in tribute to the cultural customs.
To add a natural feel, hints of greenery were added all around with minute odes to colour, to keep the space feeling fresh and alive, tying back to the oasis vibe. However, the overall monotone play between concrete and wood takes primacy.
The Mashrabiya panels at the floor seating area, were reinforced with metal inserts to keep it structurally stable and to withstand the weight of a person’s back resting on its surface.
The furniture is made of solid wood for a warm look and long-lasting use. The Wishbone chairs by Wegner add a sense of timelessness to the design and provides a graceful form. As for the textiles, H2R Design opted for a patterned upholstery to add depth to the space.
Hospitality is taken seriously in Emirati culture, hence H2R Design wanted to make sure comfortability took precedence. A lot of testing and mock-ups were made for the floor seating in order to ensure the accurate height of the tables and thickness of cushions were just the right level for a person to eat comfortably. Even the space for the legs under the table had to be checked so diners don’t feel constricted.
| Contractor: | Unique Kitchens |
| Furniture supplier: | Life interiors – Wegner WISHBONE CHAIR (Dining Chairs) |
| Lighting: | Huda Lighting, Four Seasons Ramesh gallery |
| Art Consultant: | |
| Decoration & Other Suppliers: | Expressions carpets – floor seating main dining carpet |
| Carpet Centre – feature wall carpet behind bar | |
| Tribe Dubai – Mirrors | |
| Al Zubaidi Modern Decorative Systems | |
| Photographer: | Alex Jeffries Photography Group |
| Total area: | 140sqm (1 kitchen + 1 main dining, 1 private dining |
| Building Type | New Build |
| Completion date: | March 2020 |
Photos: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
Kraz Restaurant Sharjah, UAE images / information received 050720 from H2R Design
Address: University City Rd – Industrial AreaMuwailih Commercial – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 600 560601
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