A Beloved Restaurant is Elevated Through Performance Textile Solutions
Design Team: Architectural and Design team of mossArchitects, Pittsburgh, PA
Location: Pusadee’s Garden, Pittsburgh, PA
Market: Hospitality
Product: Xorel Kaleidoscope, Xorel Spire, Scherzo, Casa
End Use: Acoustic Panels, Windows, Upholstery
Photo credit Anthony Musmanno, courtesy of mossArchitects.
“The view from the courtyard into the interior spaces on all four sides was carefully considered - the Carnegie fabrics were instrumental in establishing a material palette through subtle tones and textures that complements rather than competes with the lush garden. In adjusting patterns and colors, we were able to create unique, distinct dining spaces from room to room, each with their own character, and yet the overall experience is harmonious and serene.”
– Rebecca Murden, Architect, mossArchitects
Design Challenge
The expansion and renovation of a beloved, family-owned restaurant in Pittsburgh required the specification of elevated, yet long-lasting materials for a variety of surfaces. Aiming to incorporate views of a stunning outdoor courtyard, the team was challenged with selecting material finishes that were elegant yet not overpowering.
Design Solution
Led by mossArchitects, the project made use of Carnegie’s Xorel on acoustical panels and wallcovering, high-performance drapery, and durable upholstery to complement the project’s main focal point: a lush courtyard with vibrant landscaping and plenty of natural light.
Located in the Upper Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, family-owned restaurant Pusadee’s Garden is a beloved institution that locals were eagerly awaiting to reopen amidst an extensive multi-year renovation led by mossArchitects.
Originally housed in a charming and cozy 100-year-old building with a small patio, the restaurant transformation involved the purchasing and renovation of an adjacent row house and connecting lot in order to expand the existing footprint of the restaurant. The design team utilized glass and steel throughout the project, allowing patrons in all areas of the interior to enjoy and be immersed in the lush and vibrant landscaping within the expanded courtyard.
Acoustic Support With Xorel
As the courtyard was designed to be the focal point of the space, the material palettes for the interior were designed to complement, but not compete with the natural color scheme. The material finishes—specifically for the vertical surfaces like floor to ceiling acoustic panels—were chosen as an intentional backdrop to the view for diners that are seated in the courtyard, facing the interior.
The characteristic lustre of the Xorel textile synthesizes natural light, while the material’s inherent acoustic transparency, cleanability, and durability made it an ideal choice for the space.
With a keen understanding of how poor acoustics can negatively impact the dining experience, the team at mossArchitects chose Xorel to wrap floor-to-ceiling acoustic panels, which would be installed in primary dining areas. The characteristic lustre of the Xorel textile synthesizes natural light, while the material’s inherent acoustic transparency, cleanability, and durability made it an ideal choice for the space.
Each of the dining areas were given a distinct look. One particular dining room utilized Xorel Kaleidoscope in a copper tone, to complement a stunning tin roof ceiling treatment. In addition to its performance characteristics, this pattern was a great solution that was “architectural in feel, yet fluid and soft.”
For another dining area, the design team selected Xorel Spire, a pattern with a soft, gold woven texture. Specified for acoustic panels, Xorel Spire adds a layer of texture, without diverting attention from the courtyard.
Transparent Yet Glare-Free Windows
It was so important to consider how [the drapery] would look open and closed to those sitting inside, outside, or even to the table adjacent to them.
As maintaining views to and from the courtyard were paramount, the mossArchitects team made very deliberate choices when it came to window coverings, to ensure transparency throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as mitigate glare in private dining areas. As part of their selection process Associate and Senior Interior Designer, Gina Konopack shared that, “It was so important to consider how [the drapery] would look open and closed to those sitting inside, outside, or even to the table adjacent to them. We constantly tested how these textures would look in different light using mock-ups provided by Carnegie.”
Scherzo and Casa fabrics were ultimately selected for their natural linen look in addition to their 100% Trevira yarn content, which would ensure they wouldn’t fade over time as a result of sun exposure. Both window fabrics filter light as needed, while adding a sense of softness, warmth, and texture—a perfect foil to the more industrial architectural elements of the space.
Plush Velvet, Without Wear and Tear
Layered tones progress throughout the space onto the seating upholstery, where a plush, celery-toned velvet was used on curved, custom-designed sofas. “We tested other colors that were more hunter green— this one in particular was not green, but also not neutral. It was the perfect backdrop to the brick wall and the wood.” shared mossArchitects Associate, Anna Foster.
“One thing that I love about Carnegie is their Design Ally service. I find that the Design Ally team loves to hear about the different applications we are considering and really work to send a curated package of options that align with our design and functional goals. We love it and it becomes a huge time saver.”
- Gina Konopack, Associate, Senior Interior Designer
Save Time with Design Ally
In addition to the product solutions chosen for the project, The mossArchitects team leaned on Carnegie’s complimentary Design Ally service to quickly curate a range of solutions that fit their criteria as they navigated the cumbersome process of finding the right materials for the unique project.
Konopack shared, “One thing that I love about Carnegie is their Design Ally service. The Design Ally team loves to hear about the different applications we are considering and really work to send a curated package of options that align with our overall design and functional goals. We love it and it becomes a huge time saver.”
Back in Business
While plans for the renovation were in motion prior to the pandemic, the time to transform intensified the anticipation from the neighborhood and Pittsburgh community. The project has been widely acclaimed and diners who are lucky enough to snag a reservation have had the experience of being transported to a truly special, natural oasis within an urban setting.
