Kasa Moto

Above Toronto’s vibrant Yorkville neighbourhood, Kasa Moto’s reimagined rooftop bar and lounge offers a refined high-end and experiential hospitality design — a serene midday respite and a buzzy hub for evenings out. A collaborative project, Denizens of Design and DS Studio merged hospitality architecture in Toronto with Japanese tranquility, resulting in a space that is both cosmopolitan and calm.

Accessed through the restaurant’s interior dining space, patrons slip past an elegant breeze wall of black brick masonry. The bricks form a Tetris pattern that elevates traditional materials and creates an entryway glowing with soft light. Beyond the concierge station, a striking pink Cosmopolitan Quartzite bar introduces the rooftop and anchors the site. The roof features the Japanese preservation technique of Shou Sugi Ban – a nod to both architecture and a brand experience that balances heritage with innovation.

A dramatic pergola outlines the dining zones, carving a unique silhouette against the glass and steel skyline. Its custom dining environment offers shade, intimacy, and an immersive guest experience. Dimmable lighting behind a charred valence, and portable table lamps, enhance the mood. Kiln-dried white oak, subway-inspired banquettes, and handcrafted wood detailing nod to Japanese craftsmanship in this standout Yorkville restaurant renovation.

Project Type

Hospitality

Client

Kasa Moto

Location

Toronto, ON

Completion Date

Summer 2024

Project Team

DS Studio (Architecture), Denizens of Design (Interiors + Project Management), Carbon Build (Construction Management), Honeycomb Group (Structural), Axon Engineering (Mechanical + Electrical)

Press Release

Press & Awards

Designlines MagazineInside Kasa Moto's Stunning Rooftop Transformation,” August 26, 2024

Hospitality Design5 Rooftops To Visit Before Summer Ends,” August 29, 2024

Uncommon Ottawa 2025 AwardsBest Collaboration,” February 21, 2025