EDITORS CHOICE
Renewing acquaintances Having previously collaborated with Atelier Zébulon Perron on the design of the high-end Marcus Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Montreal , Samuelsson called upon the firm once again to help design his latest culinary vision . Each new Samuelsson project is driven by a new concept , and Hav & Mar is a continuation of that trend . The restaurant is a culmination of Samuelsson ’ s life ’ s work , and the design challenge presented to Atelier Zébulon Perron focused on the creation of an ambiance that promotes social interactions that transcend the typical restaurant experience .
Atelier Zébulon Perron has gained notoriety for its creative approach to designing spectacular spaces within unusual floorplans , and the previous experience of Marcus Restaurant had instilled the collaborative relationship with mutual appreciation for that ability . Hav & Mar once again called upon the firm ’ s creative thinking to address Samuelsson ’ s newest vision .
“ From the beginning , the approach was centered on the concept of socializing and bringing people together ,” explains Perron . “ We wanted to articulate the space in ways that would promote and facilitate that , and the planning and design process focused on a strategic layout to ensure smooth and fluid circulation paths conducive to Marcus ’ s vision .”
The warm embrace of comfortable design In approaching what was previously an industrial space , Atelier Zébulon Perron began its intervention with an injection of warmth , choosing plywood as a material base for Hav & Mar ’ s unique character . With a multitude of possibilities , plywood became an important material throughout the design , applied to walls and boundaries , and used to build assemblies for harnessing lighting fixtures . Plywood was also used for the unique framework of Hav & Mar ’ s private booth enclosure .
Materials for the design included ‘ elevated ’ choices , but the project embraced a high-end ceiling to ensure a balanced and inclusive product where people from all walks of life would come and feel comfortable . Hav & Mar ’ s interior includes customized furnishings designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron , as well as some down-to-earth vintage elements , and decorative lighting designed in collaboration with Lambert & Fils .
Every piece contributes to the narrative of an international , multicultural life that is referenced in Hav & Mar ’ s earthy tones of browns and honey , contrasting with light marbles , including a teal bar top . Plush velvets , rich walnut , and other hardwoods juxtapose with raw stucco and concrete , paying tribute to the building ’ s industrial roots .
Functional flow Hav & Mar ’ s open kitchen concept further contributes to the concept of flow and interaction , with the main bar prominently positioned directly in front of it . To further maximize floorplan efficiency , Atelier Zébulon Perron created a private booth as an articulated subspace just off of the bar and kitchen area , essentially converting what might otherwise be the worst seat in the house into one of the most coveted seating options .
Hav & Mar ’ s main bar has a special presence , denoted by a large , sea-creature-esque lighting fixture positioned directly above it . Incongruous and curious , the fixture also serves a functional purpose by acting as a canopy that grounds the area to a human scale . The overall design plays with verticality , with a variety of strategically placed elements emerging from the ceiling , floor , and walls . Each of those elements is creatively illuminated by custom-designed lighting fixtures that serve as both sculptural elements and backlights of an eclectic mix of glowing spaces .
“ You can create the most beautiful spaces imaginable , but creative lighting is essential to infusing ambiance into those spaces ,” concludes Zébulon Perron . “ With so many unique spaces and design elements to absorb at Hav & Mar , original lighting is one of the areas where we were really able to express ourselves .”
Project Name : Hav & Mar Location : 245 11th Ave , New York , NY 10001 , United States Project type : Restaurant Surface area : 278 m2 ( 3,000 sf ) Construction : RXR Realty Design : Atelier Zébulon Perron Lead designer : Zébulon Perron Team : Christopher Barrie , Anik Mandalian , Andréanne Guillemette , Mathieu Belen Photographer : Alex Lesage
www . zebulonperron . com
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