In the buzzing financial district of Hyderabad, Tabula Rasa 2.0 makes its presence known through its popular charm, its vibrant music scene and more evidently its remarkable visual identity.
Immersive experiences
The client, a music enthusiast, envisioned a space that would echo the ethos of its predecessor while pushing boundaries. The brief called for a confined yet open-to-sky music venue, which was thoughtfully translated into a central courtyard that forms the heart of the 14,770-square-foot restaurant. This courtyard, with its meticulously planned dimensions, serves as both a performance space and a focal point around which the rest of the design unfolds. The deliberate dimensions have been tried and tested to function perfectly for music performances, and are optimised for an enchanting audio-visual and tactile experience.
The entrance is a thoughtfully designed portal, opening up into the vastness of the space. Upon entering, patrons find themselves at a crossroads of experiences. The outdoors and indoors flow into each other, creating transcendent pockets which are evident in the semi-open bar area, closed bar, and open-air music venue. Slide-open glazing systems blur the lines between these zones, creating a fluid spatial experience that allows guests to craft their own journey through the restaurant.
Light-filled and light weight
The architectural language of Tabula Rasa 2.0 is a study in contrasts. A segmented sloped roof appears to float above solid walls, creating a dialogue between weight and lightness. The main structure boasts a composite design of concrete and steel, while the courtyard features a dynamic fibreglass roofing system that adapts to day, night, and seasonal changes. Perhaps most striking is the series of jack arches that form a veranda seating area, effortlessly integrating functional spaces like toilets into the design narrative. The layout of the restaurant lends the place a character of openness, a place meant for new and enriching experiences.
The lighting design and landscaping of Tabula Rasa 2.0 further enhance its architectural narrative, creating a curious blend of form and function. Strategically placed under-nosing lighting accentuates the structural elements, casting a warm glow that transforms the space as day turns to night. Lush greenery surrounds the courtyard and outdoor areas, providing natural cooling and maintaining a comfortable microclimate within the restaurant. This thoughtful integration of lighting and landscaping not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also aligns with the project’s ethos.
Grace in ruggedness
While the restaurant takes dominance in its spirit and energy, it carves out a quiet retreat through its materiality. The material palette pays homage to the project’s philosophy of creating a space that ages gracefully. Grey cement oxide plaster unifies the various zones, providing a neutral yet dynamic canvas that breathes and evolves over time. Dark floors of rough jet-black granite blocks create a striking backdrop for acacia wood furniture, while the courtyard floor of lakha red granite adds a subtle burst of colour under natural light. The crowning glory is the installation of large wicker panels suspended from the roof, their organic forms offering a captivating contrast to the linear geometry of the space. These elements combine to birth the essence of Tabula Rasa, blurring all preconceived notions of space and geometry and crafting a fresh perception in the eyes of the beholder to breathe in the experience with a certain newness.
The restaurant incorporates several carefully thought-out, sustainable details. The sloped roof bathes the space in natural light, while louvered jute drapes shield southern glazing from glare, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. Sliding glazing systems enable cross-ventilation, and an innovative air cooling system powered by kitchen RO plant water serves 75% of the seating area. The choice of less processed materials, like rough granite flooring, not only adds character but also minimises maintenance needs, embodying the restaurant’s philosophy of mindful, efficient design that evolves beautifully with time.
Tabula Rasa 2.0 is more than just a restaurant; it’s a sensory experience that honours its namesake – a blank slate upon which patrons can write their own stories.The growing social media buzz of the restaurant is also reflected in its patronage, translating into its ever-growing footfall. As the sun sets and the music rises, this thoughtfully crafted space transforms, offering a perfect urban escape that resonates with the rhythm of Hyderabad’s vibrant spirit.
Fact file:
Name of the project: Tabula Rasa 2.0
Location: Hyderabad
Area: 14,770 sq ft
Type: Hospitality Architecture and Interior Design
Design firm: 23 Degrees Design Shift
Lead designer: Ar. Shrikanth Reddy, Ar. Neelesh Kumar, Ar. Raghuram
Design team: Ar Kaustubh Sharma, Ar Varsha and Ar Vishnuv
Photography: Justin Sebastian photography
