Uma Nota: When the unexpected becomes the unforgettable.

Nestled beneath the luxurious Shangri-La The Fort in Manila, Uma Nota is a feast for the senses, blending the vibrant cultures of Brazil and Japan into a singular, unforgettable experience. Inspired by the Japanese immigrants who made their home in São Paulo’s Liberdade district, this restaurant offers more than fusion cuisine—it invites diners into a world where cultural boundaries dissolve and artistry takes centre stage. 

منذ اللحظة التي تنزل فيها إلى هذا المخبأ تحت الأرض، تستقبلك أشياء غير متوقعة. تمتد مساحة تناول الطعام الكهفية في مطعم أوما نوتا على ارتفاع 8 أمتار، وترتكز على قطعة مركزية تبدو وكأنها تتحدى الجاذبية: شجرة عائمة غير مروّضة ورائعة. تمتد مظلتها من أوراق اللبخ بقطر 5.5 متر، بينما يبدو جذعها الزيتوني الطبيعي وكأنه يحلق في الهواء دون عناء فوق الأرض. تضيء الشجرة بشكل دراماتيكي من الأسفل، وتلقي بظلالها الديناميكية على الجدران المنحنية، مما يخلق أجواءً تشعر فيها بالطبيعة تنبض بالحياة - حتى بدون وجود نافذة في الأفق. 

When The Odd Duck design studio shared their vision with us for this iconic statement piece, we knew this project was as ambitious as it was extraordinary. The concept of a fully levitating tree was a challenge unlike anything we had tackled in over 30 years of manufacturing. But at TreeLocate Foliages, no idea is too ambitious. 

Suspending a tree of this scale without floor support required both precision engineering and artistry. Every detail was carefully planned, from the concealed steel plate hidden within the roots to the tensioned cables concealed among the foliage. These elements created the illusion of effortless levitation while ensuring complete structural integrity. After rigorous testing in our Dubai facility, the tree was carefully dismantled and shipped to the Philippines. To guarantee flawless execution, we provided detailed step-by-step assembly instructions and remained on call 24/7 to support the installation process. 

The choice of Ficus foliage and cherry blossom flowers was as thoughtfully considered as the engineering behind the structure. The vibrant flowers celebrate Brazil’s wild and untamed spirit, while the understated Ficus leaves honour the elegant restraint of Japanese design. Together, they embody the harmonious fusion that defines Uma Nota’s identity. Beyond aesthetics, however, safety was paramount. Our patented FireSilx inherently fire retardant foliage, engineered to self-extinguish upon contact with flames and prevent the risk of molten plastic dripping on those below, ensured that this stunning centrepiece met the highest fire safety standards—an essential consideration in any enclosed space. 

لقد كان إحياء الشجرة المعلقة عملاً من أعمال الحب، وهو ما يعكس التزاوج المثالي بين الرؤية الفنية والبراعة الهندسية. بالنسبة لنا في شركة TreeLocate Foliages، يمثل هذا المشروع أكثر من مجرد إنجاز تقني - إنه مثال رئيسي على الإبداع اللامحدود الذي تتيحه الأشجار الاصطناعية المصممة حسب الطلب. 

تصوير فوتوغرافي سيرجي نيكراسوف

لمزيد من المعلومات حول المشروع، اقرأ مقابلة أسماء سعيد مع كانتو: https://kanto.ph/spaces/uma-nota-manila-the-odd-duck-design/