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Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

Ceiling system composed of 75 unique perforated elements

Location
Novi Sad, Serbia
Year
2018
Status
Built
Area
50 m²
Interior of Panuša Restaurant with its illuminated parametric ceiling.
The parametric ceiling as the main spatial and lighting element of Panuša Restaurant.

Role and attribution

Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

Development of the parametric ceiling.

Bojan Tepavčević contributed to the concept development together with Modelart Arhitekti. He developed the parametric design and preparation for fabrication within Centar za digitalni dizajn, before DDC-Make was founded.

01 — Context

Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

A defining element for a small interior

Panuša Restaurant was conceived as a contemporary crêperie with a warm and distinctive interior. Within its 50 m² footprint, the project required a defining element that could unite the different functional zones and translate the creative character of the culinary offer into the restaurant’s architectural identity.

Rather than applying decoration to a flat surface, the ceiling was conceived as a spatial system connected to the organisation of the interior. The concept was then translated into a parametric model and documentation for digital fabrication.

Diagram of the diagonal ceiling grid and circulation route through the restaurant.
Ceiling grid logic — the geometry adapts to the main circulation route.

02 — System

Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

Geometry and light as a single logic

The diagonal ceiling grid follows the main circulation route through the restaurant. Repetition of the basic pyramidal motif creates continuity, while changes in the dimensions and depth of individual elements introduce variation throughout the space.

The circular perforations vary in size and density, becoming larger towards the tips of the pyramids. Integrated lighting passes through these openings and emphasises the ceiling’s three-dimensional form.

Ceiling plan showing changes in element geometry and the gradation of perforations.
Parametric ceiling model. The density and size of the perforations are controlled both across the ceiling as a whole—denser towards the centre—and within each individual element, with larger openings closer to the pyramid apex.

03 — From model to fabrication

Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

75 unique elements, one controlled system

The parametric model was used to control 75 distinct elements. Each inverted pyramid is assembled from flat triangular panels made of 6 mm wood panels, with edges joined at varying angles.

The model generated panel contours, perforations, element identifiers and the data required for CNC machining and assembly. This translated complex spatial geometry into an organised fabrication system without manually drawing each component. The ceiling was fabricated and installed by Modelart Arhitekti.

Three-dimensional view of the pyramidal ceiling elements and supporting grid.
Ceiling and substructure system — the relationship between the elements, grid and connectors.
Section and three-dimensional view of the ceiling assembly.
The section and three-dimensional view show the assembly method and its connection to the substructure.

04 — Built project

Panuša Restaurant - Parametric Ceiling

Spatial structure and light filter

In the interior, the ceiling acts as a spatial structure, a light filter and the main carrier of the restaurant’s identity. The project received the BIG SEE Wood Design Award 2019 in the Interior category.

Wide view of the interior and ceiling system of Panuša Restaurant.
Interior with the ceiling as its defining spatial element.
View along the restaurant showing the gradation of perforated ceiling elements.
Changes in element depth and perforation are emphasised by the integrated lighting.
Detail of the restaurant beneath the perforated pyramidal ceiling elements.
Perforations, element depth and light were developed as one system.
Detail of the illuminated wood ceiling elements in the restaurant.
Light passes through the varying circular perforations and emphasises the ceiling geometry.
Vertical view of the interior with the ceiling system above the seating area.
The continuity of the ceiling connects the restaurant’s different functional zones.
Vertical detail of the space and perforated ceiling.
Repetition of the motif creates continuity, while the dimensions of the elements change throughout the space.

Recognition

BIG SEE Wood Design Award 2019 — Winner, Interior

Award archive

Project credits

Project information
Client
Restoran Panuša
Interior concept
Modelart Arhitekti
Ceiling concept development
Modelart Arhitekti / Bojan Tepavčević, Centar za digitalni dizajn
Parametric design
Bojan Tepavčević, Centar za digitalni dizajn
Preparation for fabrication
Bojan Tepavčević, Centar za digitalni dizajn
Production and installation
Modelart Arhitekti
Photography
Vesna Stojaković / Relja Ivanić
Visualisations
Bojan Tepavčević, Centar za digitalni dizajn