A recent addition to the Calgary, Alberta dining scene, Two Penny Chinese has debuted with an aesthetic inspired by the flair of 1920s Shanghai. Locally based practice Sara Ward Interiors crafted the restaurant with a unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and streamlined Art Deco elements.
“This type of project doesn’t come around very often and offers us as designers a chance to explore something truly unique,” says Ward, principal designer of her eponymous firm. “The Chinese Deco period provided for such rich design inspiration for this historical space, and we loved creating all of the specialty details that tell the story of the space.”
Clad with traditional dowel joinery, a handmade, blackened oak moon gate punctuates the arrival experience. Echoing a Chinese Deco sensibility, the interior is appointed with hand-glazed, seafoam green tiles and natural wicker caning that juxtapose rounded motifs with subtle brass inlays and handles into solid teak doors. Additional custom elements include the curved back benches, fringed pendant lights, and a fan plaster wall finish that acts as a backdrop for oversized scrolls with Chinese opera masks fixed upon them. Scalloped concrete tiles are attached to the face of the bar in homage to traditional Chinese armor and dragon scales.
Elaborate patterns and rich textures infuse the historical building with warmth and glamour, while a teal and rose Art Deco palette is seen in sumptuous velvets and leathers. Notes of terracotta red recall temple shingles as well as Chinese terracotta armor. Located in the basement, the tea house is illuminated with suspended Chinese lanterns as well as black sconces, which adorn custom, glazed wallpaper that depicts writhing tigers. Reminiscent of a dark alley, concrete floors and exposed wood Chinese elm screens are installed alongside reclaimed brass and etched glass doors accented by a wall of vintage Chinese posters.
