A fusion of Japanese and Mexican architectural techniques feature in this restaurant on Mexico's Pacific Ocean, designed by TAX Architects for Hotel Escondido.
Called Kakurega Omakase, the restaurant is for Hotel Escondido near the lively Mexican port town of Puerto Escondido that is famous for surfing. TAX Architects, which is led by architects Alberto Kalach and Adolfo Romero, created the architecture of the hotel's restaurant to feature a combination of Mexican and Japanese designs.

Kakurega means hideout or refuge in Japanese and is similar to the Spanish word escondido, after which the hotel is named, that means hidden.
In keeping with Hotel Escondido's thatched-roof bungalows, which were designed by Mexico City architect Federico Rivera Río, TAX Architects also created the restaurant with a massive natural covering.
Known as palapa, this structure is a traditional construction method in the Oaxacan region comprising layers of palm branches on a wood frame.
Other contemporary projects that feature palapa include Monte Uzulu boutique hotel and Tadao Ando's Casa Wabi artist retreat, both of which are nearby.

To add a Japanese touch to the design,  TAX Architects opted for blackened wood beams using the traditional Japanese technique shou sugi ban.
Thick wooden beams scale two storeys to support the massive overhanging palapa roof, which is formed by thinner charred boards. Blackened wood planks also form the floor.

The restaurant is two levels and features bricks w...