Kasa Moto

Above Toronto’s vibrant Yorkville neighbourhood, Kasa Moto’s reimagined rooftop bar and lounge creates a serene respite for business lunches and a buzzy hub for nights out. A collaborative project, Denizens of Design and DS Studio together combined Toronto’s cosmopolitan energy with Japanese tranquility to harmonious effect.

To access the rooftop from the interior dining space, patrons must slip past the elegant breeze wall crafted from black brick masonry. The bricks form a Tetris pattern that elevates traditional materials to a new level of sophistication. At night, this wall frames a halo of soft light, welcoming guests with a serene yet invigorating ambiance. Past the concierge station, the feature bar, clad with pink Cosmopolitan Quartzite, serves as an introduction to the venue and anchors the site. Its roof showcases the ancient Japanese art of Shou Sugi Ban, wood preserved by charring with fire. Delicate "alligator" texture planks above eye level complement the blend of Japanese cypress, Douglas fir, and cedar used throughout.

A striking wood pergola structure defines the dining spaces against the skyline’s grid of glass and steel buildings. It also provides shade and a sense of intimacy amidst the towering urban landscape. Integrated dimmable lighting behind a charred valence around the pergola’s perimeter, supplemented with portable table lighting, lends the space further intimacy. The banquette upholstery, inspired by seating in the Tokyo subway, is paired with kiln-dried white oak backs and platforms that are inspired by Japanese woodcraft