DESIGN NAME: Rozna
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Restaurant
INSPIRATION: Oman is steeped in traditional values and is well- known for upholding the historical and traditional emblems and way of life. The promoters of Rozna wanted to provide not just mouth-watering authentic Omani food, but also to recreate an ambience that was unique. The big chasm in the fine-dining segment for a country that is well-endowed with food resources and history of cuisine, prompted them to deliver Rozna to the people of Oman. In an ambience and aura-steeped in history.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Rozna is the only fine-dining Omani restaurant in Oman that is modelled like an ancient fort. From the exterior it looks like a fort and inside with a spacious central courtyard, it is reminiscent of a castle. The bright centre courtyard is the main dining area that can accommodate more than 100 guests at a time. Additionally there are 30 private rooms including 2 VIP rooms for those families and groups that prefer privacy. These rooms cater to groups large & small, in traditional setting.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Rozna was conceived to address the wide chasm that was left unattended for a long time in Oman. An exclusive fine-dining restaurant that offers a culinary experience of authentic tastes of traditional Omani dishes. The owners placed their intuition in the right direction & their intuition proved them right. The specially curated menu has typical Omani delicacies like Harris (meat cooked with crushed boiled wheat and spices) and Omani shuwa (slow-cooked marinated mutton).
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: July 2018 in Muscat, Oman
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Architecture, Building and Structure Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The team visited many forts across Oman, multiple times to understand the architecture and building specifications. The high ceiling, robust walls, narrow staircases heavy & wooden doors are recreated with hundred per cent authenticity. There is a falaj skirting around the entire outer perimeter of the restaurant. The flooring is also given an ancient mud-colour soft finish with epoxy as the main ingredient. The railings, balustrade and the furniture are all designed specifically for Rozna.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Rozna’s front façade, is a huge wooden carved door, flanked on the outside by two wooden canons. There are up to six underground shuwa pits that are used to cook meat to tender perfection. A town gateway, models of old Land Rover & Volkswagen automobiles, feature outside the main restaurant area. There are a variety of antiques placed at niches, and nooks around the place. The banquet hall, enhanced with mood lighting, where corporate events & weddings are hosted, can seat up to 500 guests.
TAGS: Oman, Muscat, Rozna, Restaurant, traditional
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The model of the restaurant was based on a fort. The team visited the forts, and understood the essential elements that go in recreating an authentic fort. The research took them to various crossroads and to newer pockets of revelation and knowledge. Especially about how basic facilities were enhanced for better living experience. Along with opening a fine-dining Omani restaurant in a unique setting, Rozna also showcases slices of history through exhibits of antique items.
CHALLENGE: After the design concept was decided, the materials to bring in the authentic look had to be sourced. The efforts to lend authenticity to the design lead the team to research and search in the deepest annals of historical record, as well as visit every nook and corner of Oman as well as outside Oman. Even some of the antique artefacts that adorn the rooms, were sourced from as far as Japan and other countries, where ancient trade had deposited Oman’s unique wares.
ADDED DATE: 2022-02-17 11:04:20
TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Architect: Suliman Al Kindi, Creative Director: Shadi Al Hroub and Photographer: Imad Hasan
IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer: Imad Hasan
Videographer: Omar Al Zadjali
Videographer: Osama Al Ghailani
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