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
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 & Awards
Designlines Magazine “Inside Kasa Moto's Stunning Rooftop Transformation,” August 26, 2024
Hospitality Design “5 Rooftops To Visit Before Summer Ends,” August 29, 2024
Uncommon Ottawa 2025 Awards “Best Collaboration,” February 21, 2025
