CASE STUDY
For FENIX Mayfair, Studio WYZE’ s design ethos was rooted in celebrating the culinary artistry and cultural heritage of the Greek Islands. Drawing inspiration from its namesake – the mythical Phoenix – the concept reflects the cyclical nature of the universe, echoing the transitions between day and night and the rhythms they inspire. At the London site, the FENIX narrative is developed in a nuanced way across a single 4,500 sq ft floor accommodating 166 covers, creating a cohesive and sophisticated experience.
The building’ s 1920s Portland stone façade and prominent street presence establish a distinctive framework for the design of the space. Studio WYZE responded by maximising natural light through the existing windows, creating an inviting street frontage while working within planning restrictions. The building’ s architectural language also informed the sculptural plaster arches that guide guests through a series of transitioning zones, from the nocturnal tones of the bar to the daylight hues of the dining room.
A neutral colour palette paired with natural materials creates a timeless dining environment, balancing Mayfair’ s understated luxury with Mediterranean warmth in a sophisticated manner. The interplay of light and dark remains a consistent theme, expressed through tone, texture and detail. The result is a restaurant that feels transportive without being theatrical and quietly immersive rather than overtly expressive.
Talking about the project, Christina Arbenz, Cofounder and Principal, Studio WYZE, says:“ The design explores rhythm and restraint. Set within a heritage building, we allowed the existing architecture to inform the spatial approach, introducing curved
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