Ellie Walton

Cocody Project

The latest fine dining restaurant to hit Texas that combines European experience with culinary tapestry from the West Coast of Africa. Renowned interior designer Nina Magon reveals how she masterfully wove two culturally contrasting concepts together to create a design that was elegant and sophisticated.

Houston, Texas is often described as the foodie capital of the American South, boasting an array of cuisines and food joints from hole in the walls to fine high-end restaurants. Houston has it all, or at least we thought it did until now, a new fine dining restaurant has landed and is offering a fresh perspective in Houston’s hospitality landscape. Cocody is a restaurant that offers a unique gastronomic journey that fuses its owners’ love of high-end Parisian hospitality with their native Ivory Westcoast cuisine. Established by Edwin and Edith Basso, the restaurant brings together renowned chefs David Denis, Lionel Debon, and Sylvian Denis, who came from a successful career at Le Mistrel where they caught the Basso’s attention. The final piece to the project, and challenge to conquer, was to seamlessly blend the West African culinary identity of the restaurant with a world-class establishment akin to those in Europe therefore, creating a distinct and immersive experience that will become a landmark in Houston’s fine dining scene.

Leading the design project was Austin Architect Winn Whitman who introduced frequent collaborator and Houston-based interior designer, Nina Magon. The Basso’s took Magon on to bring their creative vision to life and encouraged her to draw inspiration from far-flung places from around the world. One of the key influences came from one of Edith Basso’s favourite restaurants, Plaza Atheénéé in Paris, which influenced the colour palette of gold and pink hues, Venetian plaster, backlit marble, curved furnishings, and brass elements. Stand out features of the main restaurant include champagne brass-coloured arches and a golden horseshoe-shaped bar, crystal-lit dining room, and a whimsical lounge featuring playful details like a Mona Lisa with a lollipop. The project took approximately two years from concept to completion, with every detail meticulously crafted to ensure an unforgettable dining experience.

“The balance was delicate, creating a space that celebrated global influences without veering into something garish, but rather, achieving an environment of refinement and timeless elegance reminiscent of Europe’s finest dining destinations” says Magon.

“We overcame this by meticulously curating materials, textures, and design elements that spoke to a sophisticated European aesthetic, while integrating subtle cultural nuances that honoured the culinary identity of the restaurant. By focusing on craftsmanship and restraint, we ensured every detail contributed to a cohesive and elevated ambiance that complemented the world-class dining experience the client sought to provide.”

Pivotal to Magon’s approach in realising Basso’s vision was to infuse opulence and sophistication through the use of light, to ultimately craft an enchanting immersive experience. Lights played a central role and were added generously to the spaces, including 5,000 individual lights concealed within walls, stairs, and wine racks, with the help of lighting designer Andre Medena, of AM Light Studio, who dealt with all the technical lighting aspects. The decorative lighting was essential in creating Cocody’s enchanting ambiance, using custom sculptural pieces that added to that sense of luxury while aiming to still be functional and personable. The main dining room showcased a sparkling canopy of crystal lights that bathes the space with a soft ethereal glow. Created by VISO Lighting, the purpose of the installation is to provide a wow-factor centrepiece that refracts and reflects light in a subtle dramatic visual that doesn’t impede on the atmosphere or the patron’s experience.

In the private dining room, above the chef’s table the lighting takes a more bespoke role with Preciosa’s ‘Pearl Curtain’, which is suspended at alternating heights to form a waving curtain. However, the light offers to be more than a piece sculptural art, blurring the line between functional and decorative. The chandelier’s programmable lighting systems enables for a variety dynamic sequences tailored to complement the cuisine being served. Originally intended to react to touch, the chandelier can now be programmed to create dynamic lighting sequences tailored to the patrons, adding an element of exclusivity and therefore sophistication to the space. 

“Each of these elements were selected to serve a dual purpose: enhancing the functionality of the space while becoming a defining feature of its design,” comments Mogan. “The interplay of light, form, and material was carefully considered to ensure a cohesive yet dynamic experience, allowing the lighting to tell its own story within the larger narrative of Cocody.”

In the grand room, light again takes the design focus in the shape of a breathtaking, multifunctional chandelier above the bar that serves as both a striking centrepiece and a structural marvel, supporting 5,000 pounds of liquor bottles. Expertly crafted in Colorado, this captivating feature is made from translucent materials, allowing for a seamless diffusion of light and the result is a dual-purpose masterpiece that combines opulent design with functional bottle storage, elevating the space’s aesthetic while reinforcing the bar’s role as a centrepiece for the restaurant. 

The synergy between the design team and lighting consultants ensured that the lighting not only enhanced the ambiance but also became a defining feature of the space, with architectural and decorative working in harmony. The architectural lighting provided structure and direction, setting the mood and defining the spatial character, while also highlighting key features such as the backlit onyx, the stairs, and other specific architectural details. This then allowed the decorative pieces such as the Wink lamp by Masquespacio and Houtique, to add a layer of drama, and a “whimsical” atmosphere that Magon repeats throughout her design.

However, not all developments of the project worked so cohesively to begin with, including significant structural constraints that required careful consideration during the installation of the liquor chandelier and the crystal canopy. Both elements necessitated precise engineering to support its weight and ensure long-term stability without compromising the design’s integrity. For the liquor chandelier, the team collaborated closely with fabricators and structural engineers to address the challenge of supporting its substantial weight while seamlessly integrating it into the space. They also worked to ensure that lighting connections remained hidden within the translucent material and carefully diffused the light to avoid harsh spotlights, creating a soft, inviting glow that enhanced the ambiance. The crystal canopy presented its own unique challenges to managing weight considerations, the team strategically positioned HVAC vents to prevent airflow from causing the crystals to move excessively or collide, ensuring the installation retained its elegance and harmony.

Magon says: “the collaboration with our manufacturers and fabricators, such as 3Form, Preciosa, and VISO Lighting, was instrumental in bringing the vision to life. Each partner brought a unique level of craftsmanship and innovation to the project. Their ability to translate complex designs into tangible, bespoke pieces was exceptional. For example, the crystal canopy and the liquor chandelier required precision engineering and an understanding of both the structural and artistic demands, which they executed flawlessly.”

The original brief also envisioned two full height restaurant levels for the main space however, this was made unfeasible due the HVAC ducts that were to be accounted for. To resolve the issue the design team collaborated closely to incorporate a mezzanine area, this was made possible by installaing a state-of-the-art HVAC system and relocating on of the main pipes. By introducing a quasi-double-height area this allowed the stunning crystal canopy to dramatically span the area and creating an ethereal backdrop. When asked if there were any aspects Maron would reconsider, in hindsight she says she would explore ways to optimise the ceiling height in the space, despite successfully incorporating a mezzanine and addressing structural constraints. She suggests greater vertical clearance could have allowed for even more dramatic design elements, particularly in the main dining area. However, the evolution of the brief ultimately resulted in a more dynamic and multi-dimensional design, one that exceeded the initial expectations while remaining true to the client’s vision.

Cocody as an establishment already set itself apart since the inception of its unique concept. However, as a design, it stands out for its seamless integration of light as a storytelling element. From the ethereal crystal canopy to the grand custom liquor chandelier, every fixture provided functionality in the form of a piece of art. By using custom pieces alongside dynamic lighting it enhances the customer’s experience making it evident it is a one-of-a-kind establishment.

When asked about what makes Coody stand out in comparison to her other projects Maron says:

“What truly sets Cocody apart is its ability to transcend traditional restaurant design by blending architectural precision with artistic expression. It is a space that celebrates the fusion of form and function, creating an experience that is as visually captivating as it is immersive. This project stands as a testament to the possibilities of thoughtful design, making it a highlight in our portfolio.”

The realisation of Cocody’s vision was a collaborative triumph, seamlessly blending the expertise of the design and project teams, structural engineers, and skilled artisans. Innovative solutions overcame challenges such as structural constraints and airflow considerations, preserving both the aesthetic and integrity of the design. Timeless yet dynamic, every detail harmonises to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on all who enter.

www.ninamagon.com

by Ellie Walton