Kasa Moto Rooftop

Denizens of Design in collaboration with DS Studio Inc.

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Denizens of Design and DS Studio have unveiled their latest collaboration: the transformation of Kasa Moto’s 430 sm rooftop bar and lounge in Yorkville. The restaurant, known for its Japanese Izakaya cuisine with ingredients sourced from Tokyo, now features a design that balances Japanese tranquility (Seijaku) with the cosmopolitan energy of its clientele.

The client’s brief called for reimagining the rooftop of this well-established restaurant, striking a balance between tranquility and vibrancy while respecting the heritage structure. The renovation aimed to enhance spatial flow, functionality, and the guest experience within a tight timeline for the summer patio season, further complicated by unforeseen structural reinforcements required for the roof.

Meeting this deadline posed significant challenges, but thanks to seamless collaboration between designers, architects, contractors, and engineers, the project was completed on time and within budget.

A theme of duality—East and West, day and night, calm and energy—guides the design. “The great gift of outdoor projects is light,” says Dyonne Fashina, principal of Denizens of Design. “Kasa Moto’s rooftop captures everything from morning sun to golden hour. It had to be a serene retreat for business lunches by day and a lively destination at night.”

The redesigned space enhances flow and experience. A custom breeze wall, crafted from black brick in a Tetris pattern, elevates a functional necessity into a design statement. At night, a halo of circular light from adjacent sconces creates a striking welcome. The bar, originally bisecting the space and disrupting movement, was relocated to the entrance, transforming the guest experience. Crowned in Cosmopolitan Quartzite, a pink-veined stone with a natural glow, it now serves as the primary touchpoint, balancing the lounge at the rear.

A defining architectural element, the pergola mirrors the surrounding city grid while softening it to a more intimate scale. To address lighting constraints, dimmable fixtures were integrated into a charred valence around the perimeter, complemented by portable table lamps that enhance the living-room feel. The thoughtful spatial reconfiguration ensures seamless transitions between dining and lounge areas, fostering interaction while maintaining accessibility for all guests.

Sustainability played a crucial role in material selection and construction methods. The project took a strategic, low-impact approach, preserving existing architectural elements wherever possible to significantly reduce embodied carbon. Shou Sugi Ban wood, naturally preserved and highly durable, was responsibly sourced to extend surface lifespan and reduce maintenance. Locally sourced Douglas fir and cedar further minimized transportation emissions while supporting regional craftsmanship. The black brick breeze wall repurposes standard masonry in a creative configuration, reducing material waste while enhancing aesthetics. The pergola ensures longevity and modularity, allowing future adaptations without extensive demolition. To lower operational energy use, dimmable fixtures reduce reliance on high-output lighting, and portable table lamps provide localized illumination, allowing guests to curate their ambiance while conserving energy.

Kasa Moto is the latest venture in the long-standing creative partnership between Denizens of Design and DS Studio. “We don’t dwell on ownership of ideas or rigid distinctions between architecture and interiors,” says Fashina. “We design dynamically, making decisions in real-time. It’s a more creative, efficient, and equitable process.” Since 2018, the firms have collaborated seamlessly, avoiding hierarchical inefficiencies. “Working toward a shared vision benefits both the collective and our individual practices,” adds Sarhane.

Luxury hospitality projects demand a balance of beauty, functionality, and economic viability. This collaboration not only meets those demands but elevates them—improving spatial flow, honouring tradition, embracing contrast, and leading with innovation.