TJIP interior architects creates sophistication in Belgium's highest restaurant

At the end of May, restaurant Haut opened in Ostend (BE). This new fine dining address by chef Dimitri Proost and manager/maître d'hôtel Randy Degroote is located on the 28th floor of Ostend's SKY Tower One, making it the highest restaurant in Belgium. Because of its special seaside location and unparalleled panorama as key assets, the interior design was created by TJIP. The portfolio of the Belgian interior architecture studio counts several residences by the sea and also here, the team provided for a refined interior which is serene and relaxing and allows all attention to the view and food experience.

In recent years, TJIP has perfected itself in achieving the ultimate level of serenity. From hospitality projects to weekend stays by the sea, thanks to the combination of a strong floor plan with practical flow, a mathematical approach to space, the integration of the surroundings and the emphasis on sustainable, tactile material choices, the interior designers are today known for their interiors that envelops the occupants like a blanket. In TJIP's projects, you will disappear and forget.

The Belgian interior architecture firm's portfolio is filled with several residences on the Belgian coast. The team likes to create a feeling of security in a rough environment, while focusing on the view. This vision was also carried through into the new Haut restaurant. With respect to requests in terms of organisation, flow and comfort, TJIP went one step further. The team actively contributed to optimising the contemporary restaurant experience. This way, the interior of Haut developed into a hospitality project that fully bears the signature of its creators.

Black box as entrance

Restaurant Haut serves a French-Belgian cuisine. For those who lunch or dine there, the experience already starts on the ground floor. An intimate elevator with green velvet carpet takes you to the door, where the maître awaits you and gives you access to a buffer zone in the form of a black box. It is a piece of no man's land that allows guests to mentally start to relocate into another world and very practically too - ​ to leave coats in the cloakroom. As soon as the doors open, the expansive view of the coastal surroundings will be the first treat of the evening. The panorama sets the tone for a restaurant experience where the sea serves as the central guest. Then the chef will greet you and hand you your first bite and have you escorted to your table. A very deliberate move: the entrance door remains further closed until you leave again.

No room for art
Furthermore, in this project TJIP shows how clever alignment and balanced proportions not only ensure a better layout and organisation, but also introduce visual tranquillity. The materialisation also contributes to a harmonious interior. Natural stone, warm veneers and sandy textile tones were chosen to echo the surroundings. A bonus: the kitchen was also designed in the same style. And although the duo behind TJIP are art lovers, it appears to be the big absentee in restaurant Haut. That too is a conscious choice to keep the focus on the food experience.

Light plays an important role in TJIP's work. Since the interior architects believe that disconnecting does not mean losing touch with the outside world, a light daytime atmosphere during lunch hours and an intimate lighting plan towards the evening were deliberately used here. In the late hours, daylight is exchanged for atmospheric artificial light or even candlelight. Other special features are the outdoor terrace, the benches combining natural stone with upholstery in dark blue suede, and the private dining area with large bronze mirror that enlarges the space and - how could it be otherwise - allows everyone to enjoy the sea view. Another feature in this room: a state-of-the-art wine cabinet giving access to the gems from the wine selection. The sophisticated object reflects not only pure craftsmanship, but thanks to the combination of steel, wood and glass, also its surroundings. Once again, it shows the amazing leading role of the sea in restaurant Haut, even down to the smallest detail. ​

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photography: Alice Mesguich