November 30, 2020

MODGI Group Designs a Steakhouse in St. Petersburg, Russia Inspired by the American Wild West

The tactility throughout adds warmth to the space, creating an intimate dining experience.  Photography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.

Along the palace embankment area in Russia’s cultural hub, St. Petersburg, iconic sites like the Hermitage Museum and ornate Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood can be found. In the historic area, which draws the country’s creatives, CEO and principle of local MODGI Design Group, Andrey Kudryavtsev opted to stray from the norm for the design of a new steakhouse. “The main inspiration,” he shares, “is the nature of the American Wild West.”

Vases decorating the tables are courtesy of local ceramics producer NezhnoPhotography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.

Citing films such as “Dances with Wolves” and classic novels set during the goldrush era like “The Headless Horseman” by Mayne Reid, as well as literary works of James Fenimore Cooper, Kudryavtsev’s interiors convey the spirit of the expansive and arid American prairies. Decorative plaster on the walls and ceilings of BUTCHER House creates a look reminiscent of the rocks and sandy landscapes, while dried flowers throughout offer a nod to the region’s native flora.

The team at MODGI wanted to convey steakhouse origins without the use of cowboy iconography and taxidermied antlers. Photography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.

A palette of earthy browns and beiges enables diners to further connect to nature. “BUTCHER house is built on the play of nuances,” says Kudryavtsev, noting that the design team took advantage of the restaurant’s L-shaped layout to create a floor plan that allows customers to move freely between each zone. Lightweight woods and sheets of perforated metal expand on the motif of open countryside scenery, transporting diners to a different place and time.

Kudryavstev retained some of the building’s original stainless-steel and concrete pieces to “maintain a balance of comfort and brevity” in the built environment. Photography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.
Soft lighting produces a warm and welcoming ambiance. Photography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.

BUTCHER House enables diners to share in joyful gatherings and intimate meals alike. Photography by Dmitry Tsyrenschikov.

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