The intimate bar and dining area in the annexe
Cover The intimate bar and dining area in the annexe

The restaurant takes urban farming and design to a whole new level

Farm to table is not a new concept in F&B but you won't find many of these restaurants in a mall especially if they require a farm on site. An exception is The Farm Foodcraft located in The Sphere, Bangsar South. Consisting of farmers and horticulturists who already owned a few smaller cafes, the Bangsar South location presented a unique opportunity to marry both the farming world and F&B.

To bring this to life, they approached Seshan Design who are behind many of the Klang Valley’s most charming F&B outlets like Skullduggery, Chinoz and Huckleberry.

See also: Where & What To Eat: The Sphere In Bangsar South

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 A close up of the "live" chandelier
Photo 2 of 2 High ceilings mean more space for hanging plants

Spanning a sprawling 2000 sq ft, with a soaring double volume height of 5.2m, The Farm Foodcraft was also allowed to lease the front of the site for alfresco dining and use the existing planters adjacent the site. A mezzanine was built to take advantage of the high ceilings which houses a hydroponic farm and private dining area named the Curious Gardener.

The plants are undeniably the “star” of the show as reflected by the centrepiece in the dining area—a custom chandelier featuring three steel rings with greenery growing out of them. The second smaller space in the annexe features a suspended large driftwood log festooned with ferns.

See also: 8 Brands That Deliver Plants To Your Doorstep In The Klang Valley
 

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A custom made chandelier with live plants growing out of it is the focal point of the double height dining space
Above A custom-made chandelier with live plants growing out of it is the focal point of the double height dining space

Beyond this, the designers also had to create a suitable internal environment that would be comfortable for diners while ensuring the welfare of the plants. Thankfully, there was sufficient natural light in the site and watering and fertilisers could be managed mechanically; the major challenge was for ventilation and cooling.

Part of this solution was installing huge semi-transparent roller blinds to trap the cool air from within the restaurant and industrial fans to provide sufficient air movement and circulation. Sensors were also placed around the restaurant to monitor the environment. This was linked to a mobile app to collect data so that tweaks could be made if plants in certain areas were not doing so well.

Overall, the fit out was done in mild steel for light, flexible and easy installation. An earthy colour palette complements the plants comprising of green tinted inlay in the coffee coloured concrete floor. and rattan weave cladding for the carpentry. Wicker furniture and light fittings complete the look.

See also: 9 Instagram-Worthy Plant Stores In Malaysia

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A more intimate bar and dining area can be found in the annexe
Above An intimate bar and dining area can be found in the annexe
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The second smaller space in the annexe features a suspended large driftwood log festooned with ferns
Above The second smaller space in the annexe features a suspended large driftwood log festooned with ferns
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The pleasant outdoor terrace has filtered natural light and comfortable cane sofas
Above The pleasant outdoor terrace has filtered natural light and comfortable cane sofas

The clients had plans to sell the surplus produce—vegetables, fruits and herbs—grown on-site but since they’ve opened, demand has been so good that all the produce has been used up for the food served.

Another interesting thing to note is that during Malaysia’s first lockdown in 2020 and supply from produce wholesalers were drastically affected, other F&B outlets in the immediate area came to The Farm Foodcraft to purchase the fresh vegetables harvested on site. A compelling argument to justify and promote decentralised urban farms, not to mention a testament of how Seshan Design and the client have created a working productive farm.

See also: Kyle E Yon & Jun Ong Of Pow Ideas Are Rising Stars In Interior Design

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