Zura Restaurant

The illustrious B-Block Market situated in the heart of New Delhi’s Safdurjung Enclave has historically been associated with being a melting pot of all kinds of pursuits- corporate, culinary and cultural. Cherished by the neighborhoods that surround it, as well as by the residents of Delhi at large, it was perceived to have become a shell of its earlier self during the Covid lockdown. Recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic, the complex began to revive itself with its new cafes, tea houses, and retail outlets. A shining outcome of this revivalism and rebirth is Zura.

Our first visit to the site was met with a surprise. The indoor area was perceptibly split into two halves due to the existing columns at site. Having lived through numerous tenants over the years and catering to different functionalities, the condition of the space was quite broken-in. With low-dropping ceiling heights which were no more than nine feet, the indoor area left a lot to be desired.

Thus began the journey of reimagining the framework of the space itself. The very linear indoor space being hewed with columns, while also housing a lift and a staircase that led upstairs to the terrace area, posed a challenge for it to be utilized to its utmost potential. Originally, the first and second floors were connected visually through a cutout. Attempting to maximize the indoor space for both the bar and service level on the first floor, we decided upon sealing this cutout, thus allowing ourselves more room for playful explorations as well as utilities.

The design process was marked by these form explorations, which is when we realized that exaggerating the cleft in the space would allow us to maximize its very volume, while creating an intrigue. Getting off the lift, one is addressed by a bright palette, giving the false impression of all there is to the space. Opposite the lift is the staircase with custom-made asymmetrically detailed metal rods as balusters. On turning towards the seating area, the palette, and the form, fragmenting both sides seem inspired by a black hole and a supernova colliding.

Leading up to the terrace, the continuity of the palette and form brings forth an unexpected surprise. While the travertine and the mosaic cladded stairs lead to the terrace, which at first glance largely appears warm-toned, the form of the roof is synonymous with the overall language envisioned for the space. The terrace area also plays with its proportions in more or less the same way. The three-inch-wide travertine, and white marble flooring laid in a concentric pattern, is complemented with a parametric roof also created with three-inch-wide sections, creating a wave as it follows the line of the seating area.

The roof hovers over a step-up that creates a bifurcation between the lounge seating, and the high table seating. A tall Champa in the middle of the open-air area, surrounded by high chair seating provides for a perfect setting for a brunch, or a relaxed evening with cocktails. The bar on the step-up area carries the detail of the 3D tiles from the indoor space, bringing forth a texturally prominent element to the terrace area.

Opposite to the bar is the covered private dining room, partially concealed with plants, and balusters, finished in a lithe navy fabric ceiling with a softly-lit chandelier. The partial concealment allows for the PDR as well to enjoy the form of the roof, the greens, and the views beyond.

Standing as a bold distinction to its very quaint context, Zura is a space that looks inwards for a mesmerizing experience.

Design: Studiio Dangg
Photography: Avesh Gaur