- Project: Forest Restaurant
- Architect: Studio 40
- Location: Russia, Yekaterinburg
- Year: 2024
- Area: 310 m2
- Photography: Natalia Gorbunova
In the vibrant city of Yekaterinburg, nestled between urban life and surrounding natural beauty, the Forest Restaurant by STUDIO 40 redefines what it means to dine in harmony with nature. Completed in 2024, the 310 m² interior, led by principal architect Vladislav Soroka, invites guests into a tranquil, immersive space inspired by the landscapes of the Urals.
Design Philosophy: Let Nature Lead
From the outset, STUDIO 40 envisioned Forest as more than a restaurant—it is a sensory retreat. Rejecting flashy visuals, the design centers around natural textures and muted tones that elevate rather than compete with the culinary experience.
“Our goal was to allow nature to speak,” says Soroka, whose team, including Yulia Galunova, Maria Cheglakova, Natalia Nesterova, and Natalia Petukhova, crafted a space rooted in local culture, natural materials, and restorative ambiance.
Materials and Layout: Minimalism Meets Warmth
The material palette reinforces a calming, grounded sensibility:
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Natural wood and plaster define the walls and ceilings
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Terrazzo and porcelain stoneware cover the floors
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Glass accents and mirrors extend light and amplify space
Despite the narrow floor plan, the restaurant feels spacious thanks to its strategic vertical design. Suspended wooden elements and varied ceiling heights break up the volume and add intimacy to different seating areas—ranging from communal tables to quiet nooks and casual bar seating.
Immersed in Light and Landscape
A defining feature of Forest is its floor-to-ceiling glazing, offering sweeping views of a nearby park and riverside. Rather than relying on conventional curtains, the architects introduced light-filtering wooden slats, maintaining privacy while framing natural light like an art installation.
Every view from inside engages with the outdoors, and bespoke botanical bas-reliefs and locally crafted decor deepen this dialogue with nature.
Sustainability and Local Craft
Forest isn’t just about aesthetics—it embodies a deeper commitment to sustainable and locally grounded design:
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Furniture is custom-made by Ural-based artisans
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Materials are sourced from the region
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Menu ingredients reflect the ethos of farm-to-table living
This focus on locality adds authenticity and supports regional economies, enhancing the restaurant’s connection to place.
A Multi-Sensory Experience
At the center of the space is a large communal table, symbolizing gathering and unity. Lighting design plays a pivotal role—balancing natural daylight with carefully positioned custom fixtures that create a soft, atmospheric glow as evening falls.
This subtle play of light, material, and proportion encourages diners to slow down, connect, and fully engage with the space and each other.
Conclusion: Dining as a Return to Nature
Forest Restaurant by STUDIO 40 isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to pause, reconnect, and reflect. Its thoughtful architecture, minimalist palette, and sensitive lighting create an experience of quiet luxury and timeless calm. In a world that rarely slows down, Forest offers a reminder of the beauty in stillness.
