Contrivance of eminent and award-winning chef Kelvin Cheung in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates-based Three Layer Hospitality and Kings Group Ventures, JUN’s is spread across 5,540 sq ft and located at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. The progressive restaurant designed by 4SPACE captures the harmonious blend of Asian and North American flavours for which Kevin is so widely celebrated.
4SPACE engineered Jun’s concept to celebrate community, coming together—a place where guests can gather to celebrate the importance of life. The inspiration is drawn from horse stables, and the vibe reflects the natural materials that are simple, sleek, rustic, and refined. Kelvin and the Kings Group Ventures provided a brief for a restaurant that is bold, modern, simple and approachable. They wanted a sleek, contemporary venue with slightly rough edges. Hence, the soothing interiors are of a sand-coloured palette with natural materials and various interesting textures, including timber, marble and white bricks.
The journey commences at the entrance of Jun’s with an expansive outdoor patio area. It is highly recommended to take a moment to absorb the enviable views of the iconic Burj Khalifa in the distance. The outdoor space sets the tone for the dining experience, inviting the guests to connect with nature and the bustling cityscape. As one moves further indoors in the heart of JUN’s, the soothing sand-colored palette immediately creates a warm and calming atmosphere.
Polished concrete and natural white bricks on the walls establish a strong yet inviting ambience. These surfaces provide a canvas for the play of lights and shadows, thanks to the unique I-Mesh installations that cast intriguing patterns on the walls. “Creating a balance between bold, modern, simple, and approachable elements was fulfilling, and incorporating the I-Mesh added a unique dimension, bringing highlights and shadows over the walls. This aspect contributed to the sense of depth and an extra layer of intrigue and design, making it a particularly enjoyable part of the project,” shares Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE.
An elevated seating area with timber-clad walls, floors, and ceilings offers a commanding view of the entire restaurant, including the bar and open kitchen. The combination of timber and sleek lines delivers a sense of rustic refinement. The oversized pendant lamps suspended from the ceiling create an ethereal ambiance, guiding your gaze through the space.
The bar is designed with natural stone from a cliff fascia, crowned with a marble top to highlight the brand’s story. Each of the columns is adorned with pebbledash and pays homage to the inspiration drawn from horse stables. The rough cast is a sustainable material designed to reconnect the design to the environment.
JUN’s chef’s table is next to the kitchen and reserved for guests under invitation from Kelvin Cheung. This table promises a bespoke dining experience where the chef will prepare special menus for the diners. The seamless connection between the open and central kitchens ensures a smooth workflow, showcasing the state-of-the-art culinary techniques used to craft the meals. Touting this area as one of the USP of the restaurant, Firas believes that Kevin’s table will add value to the hospitality experience as the menu is bespoke, and the service is unique and well-attended.
“When I think of the design process behind Jun’s, the first thing that springs to me is communication and understanding. The design firm 4SPACE under the leadership of Firas was able to transform my entire vision into reality, and it is very exciting to see the project outcome to be exactly what I envisioned months ago, when I first began to formulate ideas for Jun’s. It is as much about the creative vision as it is about the elements that make up the whole design. Both play crucial roles in the success of a design project,” shares Neha Anand, Founder and MD, Three Layer Hospitality.
Keeping up with social media trends, Firas judiciously carved a special space for visitors who are always in search of ‘Instagrammable’ spaces. Jun’s has a booth where the diners can take photographs of their experience. The brand name is displayed in Neon lighting, and there is a mirror and pampas for aesthetically pleasing results. The pampas was incorporated to make the design pop and stand out from the rest of the restaurant’s features, keeping the design contemporary and linked to nature.
A lot of intricacies define JUN’s—the organic shapes of pendant lamps, the rustic yet elegant furniture alternates, and the bespoke brown and black leather banquets. These details merge effortlessly to create a vibrant and inviting environment that encourages connection and relaxation. Talking about the challenges and how they overcame them, Firas reveals, “JUN’s is located directly under a residential condominium, and it was paramount that contractors caused no disturbances to the residents. Sound engineers regularly carried out sound checks to determine noise levels. They would suggest acoustic solutions and eliminate sound leakage while contractors did the necessary work. Merging the two units was somewhat challenging. Expert teams assigned by the landlord supported 4SPACE and their contractors in removing structural elements between the units without further impacting the entire structure.”
Jun’s takes your dining experience to another level with its complex sound system that adds an auditory dimension to your meal. In addition, a wine display chiller next to the bar beckons you to interact with the sommelier, enhancing the exploration of flavors and aromas. Take a moment to reflect on the innovative design elements, the thoughtful selection of materials, and the seamless execution that brought JUN’s to life. The unity of boldness and simplicity, the celebration of community, and the blend of cultural influences make JUN’s a dining experience that resonates deeply!
Fact File
Location of the project: Downtown Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Area: 5,540 sq ft
Design Team and Designation: Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder & Design Director at 4SPACE
Contractor: CUBE
Website: 4space.ae
Photo credit: Anas Rifai
Firas Alsahin & Amjad Hourieh
Founders, 4SPACE Design
Founders, Firas Alsahin and Amjad Hourieh, moved their practice to Dubai to be at the center of this vibrant market. The emirate’s booming growth in the commercial sector was an impetus for the firm to explore all the opportunities in the design industry. Overcoming an uphill battle, 4Space Design has gone on to create noteworthy projects in the UAE. Eschewing quantity for quality, profile of the project and relationship with clients, the studio credit its people’s distinct ideas strategic business development.
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