Paperfarm wraps Michelin-starred restaurant with red facade
In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, architecture studio Paperfarm unveils the bold transformation of Old New Taiwanese Cuisine, a Michelin-starred restaurant whose facade was damaged during a typhoon. Rather than restore its faux-historic wooden screen, the architects reimagine the building as a vibrant dialogue between past and present. Now wrapped in 1,080 rippling red metal panels, the structure reclaims its identity through material clarity and street-level impact, casting a fresh light on Taiwanese culinary heritage.
the faux-historic wooden screen that was replaced | all images courtesy of Paperfarm
perforated rippling facade evokes flames in Kaohsiung
Paperfarm’s design reflects the restaurant’s name by fusing cultural memory with contemporary expression. Instead of mimicking history, the new facade embraces authenticity over imitation. The bold red exterior — sourced from the restaurant’s branding — redefines its urban presence and signals a renewed architectural character rooted in craft and cuisine.
The perforated metal panels, designed by the US- and Taiwan-based studio, vary in size, angle, and transparency to form a rhythmic facade animated by shifting light. Their rippling effect evokes rising flames, referencing both the searing heat of wok cooking and Kaohsiung’s industrial legacy. Prefabricated and modular, the system allows for fast installation and offers built-in resilience against typhoons and earthquakes.
day view of front facade
the bold red exterior redefines the restaurant’s urban presence
the facade is wrapped in 1,080 rippling red metal panels
the facade looks like an elevated bold red box
the rippling effect pf the screen evokes rising flames
prefabricated and modular, the system allows for fast installation
concealed emergency exits are integrated into the facade
Paperfarm’s design reflects the restaurant’s name
night view of the front facade
the fiery facade is highlighted at night
the restaurant sign at night
project info:
name: Flame & Flavor – A Red Cloak (Old New Taiwanese Cuisine)
architect: Paperfarm Inc
location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom
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