2019 Design Awards: Westheimer Restaurant

In 2019, the Westheimer Restaurant, located in Houston, stood out as a remarkable project that we, KO Design, were privileged to contribute to as the MEP Engineer. This exceptional restaurant was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team, including A Parallel Architecture as the Architect, ROK Bros Holdings as the Client, and a host of other talented professionals.

Inspired by the time-honored aquaponic traditions of Southeast Asian rice paddies, the restaurant was designed as a multifunctional hub for vertical farming, food preparation, and nitrogen cycling. Notably, it features a deep-soil roof terrace, spanning up to 1,500 square feet, where an edible garden thrives. This unique space is accessible from both indoor and outdoor vaulted dining areas, providing diners with the captivating experience of witnessing the chef harvest produce and prepare it before their eyes.

The project faced the challenge of adhering to strict parking requirements, but the restaurant's design successfully integrated these constraints into an efficient and cohesive floor plan. The layout of the restaurant was envisioned as two stacked 16-square grids, cleverly manipulated both horizontally and vertically to create a series of engaging spaces that break away from the ordinary.

The Westheimer Restaurant boasts a design that combines elements of tradition and innovation. Coarse stone walls have been incorporated to provide a sense of understated privacy in intimate dining areas, while a central area radiates transparency, inviting passersby to explore and engage with the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere.

Our role as MEP Engineers in this project was pivotal in ensuring that the restaurant's systems functioned seamlessly, contributing to the overall success of this award-winning and remarkable establishment in the heart of Houston. Read more about the award here.