Porterhouse By Laris / Kokaistudios

Architects: Kokaistudios
Area: 590 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Edmon Leong
Collaborator: Brittany Gould
City: Hong Kong
Country: China

Porterhouse by Laris, a steakhouse designed by Kokaistudios in Hong Kong’s California Tower, has transformed the city’s dining scene. Completed in 2015, the project led by acclaimed Chef David Laris, introduced a luxurious and innovative steakhouse experience, reflecting Kokaistudio’s expertise in bespoke hospitality design.

Kokaistudios completed the interior design of Porterhouse by Laris, a new steakhouse located in Lan Kwai Fong Group’s California Tower in Central, Hong Kong. This venue is part of the city’s rapidly growing dining hub. This project adds to Kokaistudio’s portfolio of iconic hospitality designs in Asia.

Eclipse hospitality Group, aiming to create a premium steakhouse for Hong Kong, partnered with Chef David Laris, known for his modern Australian cuisine since 2014. Seeking top international design talent, they were introduced to Kokaistudios by the landlord of California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong Group. With renowned projects like Mr. & Mrs. Bund and Bar Rouge, Kokaistudios was chosen to bring a fresh and visionary design to the steakhouse concept, including seafood offerings.

Kokaistudios meticulously designed the layout of Porterhouse by Laris, integrating features such as a chef’s counter, meat locker, main dining room, lounge, semi-private dining room, terrace, and bar. Their expertise in hospitality operations ensured a functional and beautiful space, offering both individual and collective dining experiences.

The design includes a high table at the lift lobby extending to the terrace, separated by concertina doors. This layout immerses guests in the restaurant’s bustling environment. The terrace can open up entirely in good weather. The main dining room features a bar, dining area, meat cabinet, chef’s counter, and an open kitchen behind glass. The -meter ceiling height is accentuated by a parametric, three-dimensional ceiling in mirror, brass, and grey timber, enhancing the space’s vibrancy.

The bar near the lift lobby serves signature cocktails and has a concealed DJ booth, functioning independently from the restaurant. Kokaistudios designed the main dining area so that all guests can see the open kitchen, while the bar and lift lobby are screened by a woven leather partition. The lounge and semi-private dining room, seating 26, are placed behind translucent metallic curtains.

Design features include a wine cellar wall behind the chef’s counter, displaying fresh seafood on a while marble station. The custom cabinet holds 800 bottles at three temperatures. A custom meat locker at the end of the main dining room displays prime cuts of meat and leather goods, celebrating the art of butchery and leather-craft. The main dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lan Kwai Fong. By day, they reflect people and bring natural light, while at night, the lighting system creates a warn and lively atmosphere.

A simple and sophisticated color palette accentuates the materials, enhancing the tactile experience. Grey wood tabletops mimic butcher’s tables, and leather chairs with handles referencing luxury handbags add a touch of calfskin. Bars finishes, black metal, and metallic fabric reflect the copper facade of California Tower. A wall-mounted light sculpture by Berlin-based artist Brittany Gould between the main dining room and semi-private dining space complements the ceiling design with its parametric motif.

Porterhouse by Laris redefines the traditional steakhouse concept in Hong Kong’s competitive culinary market. Kokaistudios and Chef Laris have created a luxurious environment for enjoying a specially curated menu. Completed in six months, the project highlights the close collaboration and efficiency between the designer, client, and chef, showcasing Kokaistudios’ skill in creating exceptional culinary destinations.