SUSHI TEI Experience Tranquillity with Authentic Japanese Taste
If you’re in the mood for a sublime space and Japanese cuisine, Sushi Tei is the place. Sushi Tei interior aspires to a state of harmony, serenity, and simplicity. Clean lines, uncluttered areas, and a minimalist approach are used in the design to foster a serene mood. Popular Japanese restaurant chain Sushi Tei is known for its sushi and other Japanese cuisine. It began its journey in Singapore and has since spread to several Asian nations including Bangladesh. In 1994, it was opened in Singapore and in Bangladesh it’s first introduced in 2020 at Gulshan, Dhaka. The interior reflects Japanese culture’s Zen Garden idea. recognising and praising the genuine shape and colour that permeated the entire area. A sturdy Keora tree root sculpture stands out at the entrance. A component of nature, yet in its unaltered, unadulterated state, it exudes a unique aesthetic appeal. On the exterior, the GP sheet and MS sheet sculpture blend with the creepers, creating a green facade. The transition from the outside to the inside is thoughtfully planned. At the entryway, a zen garden is included to go with the wooden pavers. A large waiting area is available at the reception desk on the ground floor to welcome visitors. The first floor is where the restaurant is. The staircase’s Tuna fish sculptures on the wall and the north-diffused light from the opening offer visitors a sense of calmness. The entire experience—from the outside to the inside—is a voyage into meditation. “It’s pretty difficult to convert a residential property into a restaurant space. I liked the entire area as there were a lot of space and trees surrounding the structure. The obstacles we experienced served as the inspiration for every design choice,” explains the interior designer and artist Md. Mazharul Haque Tonmoy. “It had an issue with water clogging since the surface in the area was lower than the road. To address that, we included soak-able green areas, which allowed us to design an outdoor zen garden.” The restaurant’s aesthetics favour a subdued and neutral colour scheme. Earthy tones such as beige, cream, soft greys, and muted greens have been used to create a calm and soothing atmosphere. The focus is on functionality and creating a sense of spaciousness. The use of natural materials is remarkable. Wood, bamboo, stone, and natural fibres like cotton are incorporated into the restaurant’s interior. Exposed wooden beams, bamboo partitions, and stone accents create a sense of warmth and authenticity. Sushi Tei’s interior emphasizes open spaces and a sense of flow. The layout of the restaurant allows a smooth transition between different areas. Open floor plans, sliding doors, and screens are used to create flexible spaces that can be adapted for different group sizes or private dining options. It’s fascinating how different types of floor materials are used to separate spaces. To accommodate various visitor demands, various sitting configurations, including booth seating, low-height seating, and Takumi seats, have been implemented. Gentle and warm lighting played a crucial role in this Zen-inspired restaurant. Soft, diffused lighting fixtures like pendant lights, paper lanterns, and wall sconces have been used to create a tranquil atmosphere. While the space is designed as a low-light space, maximising natural light through large windows or skylights is also incorporated to establish a connection with the outside world. Incorporating Japanese artwork, calligraphy, or traditional motifs enhanced the Zen aesthetic. Hanging scrolls (kakemono) with brush paintings, ink wash paintings (sumi-e) and carefully selected artwork provide focal points and add cultural depth to the space. The acoustics of a dining area are crucial to its ambiance. The soft trickling of fountains and running water is now present. The ambient noise was softened with the help of a miniature indoor fountain. To add a touch of nature and artistry, Sushi Tei’s zen garden displays bonsai trees. These meticulously crafted arrangements reflect the Japanese appreciation for beauty and harmony in nature. The entirety of the setting is ideal for taking photos. The use of mirrors and glasses is fascinating. “The Japanese are very sensitive about their design. The patterns they use on their screens are also very detailed. We tried to follow their process of design, not a specific design. The philosophy was to let the space speak for itself about how it wanted to be treated. We were just trying to listen,” Md. Mazharul Haque Tonmoy added. Sushi Tei, provides an oasis of calm for guests, allowing them to relax, unwind, and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of their surroundings while enjoying their dining experience. Written by Fatima Nujhat Quaderi
The Story Behind Decathlon Dhaka’s Stunning New Office
In the center of Dhaka’s relentless urban sprawl, Decathlon’s new liaison office has carved out an unexpected oasis. Designed by Studio one zero, the two-floor, 20,000-square-foot workspace is a lively yet calming blend of nature, sport, and smart design — a triumph achieved under the intense pressure of a compressed timeline. One floor of the office is devoted to a sprawling seminar and multi-purpose event space, while the other flourishes as a vibrant open-plan workspace. Together, they embody Decathlon’s global brand ethos: movement, accessibility, and connection to the environment. From the first step inside, the design immediately surprises. Natural light pours in from every angle, with open workstations, informal seating zones, and collaborative spaces stretching toward the glass walls. But what truly distinguishes the space is its deliberate, sensitive incorporation of natural elements into an otherwise urban setting — a concept that chief architect Jafor Hoq and Partner Architect Humaira Binte Hannan at Studio One Zero were determined to bring alive. Challenge Against Time “The biggest challenge for us,” says Jafor Hoq, “was the design decision against time. From the initial concept to execution, we had a very short period. And it wasn’t just about filling a space — Decathlon wanted something meaningful, experiential, and true to their brand spirit.” Working under intense deadlines and changes meant that decisions on materials, layouts, and designs had to be made rapidly but thoughtfully. “We had no time for second-guessing. Every material, every design move had to be purposeful and achievable within the timeframe,” Hoq recalls. Instead of battling the constraint, Studio one zero leaned into it, focusing on a few strong ideas and executing them meticulously. Bringing Nature Indoors — A Different Way While biophilic design is no longer a novelty, Studio one zero’s approach for Decathlon’s office is refreshingly nuanced. Instead of merely placing potted plants in corners, nature was embedded into the structure itself. The most striking feature — the tree-inspired columns — originated from a need to solve a technical problem with artistic flair. Existing structural columns, often seen as obstacles in open-plan offices, were transformed into vertical wooden sculptures. “These columns are not just cladded structures,” Hoq explains. “We intentionally gave them the form of large tree trunks, expanding outward at the top, creating a canopy-like feeling. Under these ‘trees,’ we placed high seating zones, making them natural gathering points where people can sit, stand, and connect. It’s about reinterpreting indoor nature — not just bringing in greenery but evoking the experience of being under a tree.” Materiality: Warmth in an Industrial Frame The material palette reflects a thoughtful balance between modernity and warmth. Light oak wood cladding runs through the flooring of common pathways and wraps around key architectural elements, providing a sense of warmth and continuity. “The idea was to humanize the space,” says Hoq. “We were working with an exposed ceiling — which gives that industrial look — but we didn’t want it to feel cold or impersonal. Using wood, texture and incorporating green , was the answer.” Meanwhile, the furniture choices favored light-colored wood and clean lines to complement the architecture without overwhelming it. Lush green walls filled with planters further softened the industrial base, offering breathing spaces that look and feel alive. Even the lighting played into the natural narrative. Angular, dynamic geometric light fixtures, seemingly random yet deliberate, mimic dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopies, casting a playful rhythm of light and shadow across the workspace. Functionality at the Core Of course, Decathlon’s office needed to be more than beautiful; it needed to work. Beyond the seminar space and open workstations, Studio One Zero integrated a variety of amenities including a gym, prayer rooms, a sick room, and a restaurant-style café. The café, with its relaxed seating and natural materials, encourages casual interaction — a deliberate attempt to break down formalities and foster an easy, collaborative culture. Flooring materials shift subtly from wood to textured carpet tiles to indicate different zones without physical barriers, preserving the openness. Every design choice speaks to movement, flexibility, openness and wellness — values at the heart of both Decathlon and Studio one zero’s architectural philosophy. A Space That Moves People In the end, Decathlon’s Dhaka office is more than a workplace. It’s a living, breathing environment, where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, formal and informal, structured and free-flowing, are beautifully blurred. Studio One Zero’s bold vision — executed under a limited timeframe — has resulted in a space that isn’t just seen; it’s felt. A place where employees can experience the spirit of sport, the calm of nature, and the excitement of innovation, every single day. “We didn’t just design an office,” Jafor Hoq smiles. “We designed an experience.” Written By Fatima Nujhat Quaderi Photo: Truphoto Studio