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Where Nature Meets Design: The Stalactite-Inspired Elegance of PARKSIDE@NINA
Upon entering PARKSIDE@NINA, guests are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere that feels both adventurous and serene. The restaurant’s striking vaulted ceiling draws the eye upward, reminiscent of an enchanting cave. This design, inspired by the natural beauty of stalactite formations, sets the stage for a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends nature with culinary artistry.
The restaurant’s interior designer, Enoch Hui, also considers it his personal favorite, stating, “During my first site visit, the high ceiling immediately caught my attention. It’s uncommon in the local culinary scene.” The historical significance of stalactites, which have formed over eons, makes this concept especially fitting for Nina Park’s thematic restaurant. Enoch adds a playful twist to the design with varying arch curvatures, evoking thoughts of cave exploration.
Understanding the interior space and fully utilizing its advantages is how Enoch, trained as an architect, approaches his designs. For this project, his observation extends beyond the dining area. “As you walk from the 1/F of Nina Mall to 2/F and then enter the restaurant, the ceiling gradually rises, leading to Nina Park just outside. The progression is truly beautiful.” Through three doors on the side, customers can easily access the outdoor terrace and Hong Kong’s first and only wood fossil park.
With over 20 years of experience, Enoch finds joy in tailoring bespoke designs for various commercial projects. However, managing a fossil-themed space is a first for him. To understand the relics from their formation to distinctive features like color and pattern, his team not only visited Nina Park for an up-close study but also traveled to Chaoyang in Liaoning Province to explore fossil exhibits.
Incorporating sustainability into the design, Enoch utilized recycled wood from felled trees for the restaurant’s interior, collaborating with Ricci - Timberbank to create stunning designer furniture and building materials. The wood’s natural patterns add a warm, organic touch, complemented by Italian tiles that enhance the restaurant's character.
Guests can dine while strolling through the inviting space, adorned with wood foils and a beautiful curtain wall near the windows, where the wood itself becomes a design element. The ceiling wraps elegantly into the arches, creating a cave-like ambiance, while dry flowers hang as a unique feature above.
Along the walls, two caves stand out: one designed by Eunice from Eunis.C Art Gallery, and the other an open kitchen, creating a dynamic and engaging dining experience.
Enoch encapsulates his vision, stating, “The restaurant is an extension of Nina Park. I believe it can enrich the visitor experience.”
In this unique setting, PARKSIDE@NINA invites guests to savor not just a meal, but a journey through nature, art, and sustainability.
