There is one thing in common between beguiling Japanese Gardens, Reynold Poernomo’s desserts and tranquil landscapes: Moss. The concept behind KOI Botanical, therefore, comes from Moss.

 

KOI Botanical was designed to create an almost transitional space between the exterior and the interior. The idea was to feel surrounded by nature while being in an enclosed space. The floor-to-ceiling windows skirting the main dining space assist in creating that atmosphere possible. The seating arrangement varies in the dining area, with floor seating near the windows, followed by relaxed seating, to counter seating towards the centre of the space. The aim was to give every single person in the dessert bar the ability to have the mesmerising views of the Royal Botanic Gardens all around by providing seating in cascading heights.

 

The materiality and colour palette play a crucial role in making the space feel natural. The colour scheme involves the use of a set of earthy, warm-toned shades, including emerald green, sage, grey, olive green, walnut, and forest green. To create the sense of being in a forest, an inviting teak herringbone flooring spreads out over the main dining area, with a lime-washed sage tiled flooring used towards the centre of the space, both divided by a subtle copper inlay. Japanese-style floor seating is placed near the windows, with beautiful light teak tables and green suede floor cushions. The relaxed seating includes rattan-wicker chairs and modern glass tables, fusing natural and man-made worlds together. A display counter surrounded by seating spans the centre of the space, located directly under the skylight, bringing in additional focus. Simple air-suspended seating has been set up in the exterior space, using ropes to resemble the roots of banyan trees.