Redefining Modern Chinese Dining
Product: Gencork Corklee & Corkbiomorph
Location: Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Located in Malahide, Dublin
Eatzen is redefining modern Chinese dining, a refined interior where contemporary elegance meets authentic culinary artistry. The space balances calm, luxury and restraint, creating an immersive dining experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Designed by Millimetre Design, with Creighan Contracts as main contractor and McKenna & Cairns Joinery as Joinery contractors, the project brings together thoughtful design, craftmanship and material innovation to deliver a world-class hospitality environment.
The brief
The brief was to create a high-end, contemporary restaurant that embodied sophistication and serenity. The interior needed to celebrate the authenticity of Chinese cuisine while presenting a modern aesthetic grounded in natural materials, balance and tactile richness, a destination for both discerning locals and international guests.
A defining feature of the space is the use of natural cork wall panels, supplied by Surface Wow, which play a central role in shaping the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Throughout the interior, walls are finished with a combination of bespoke polished plaster and textured cork, showcasing how 3D cork wall panels can add depth, warmth and architectural interest to hospitality interiors. Two standout designs from GenCork Collection, Corklee and Corkbiomorph, were selected for their organic geometry and sculptural quality.
Decorative Cork Tiles
These decorative cork tiles act as both a visual and functional element, providing excellent sound absorption as acoustic cork panels while enhancing the calm, intimate feel of the dining spaces. The subtle interaction between light and texture creates shifting shadows throughout the day, giving the interior a dynamic, living quality.
Produced from 100% natural and recyclable cork, the GenCork range represents a thoughtful choice of sustainable wall panels, perfectly aligned with the client’s ethos of conscious luxury. The cork surfaces introduce a natural softness to the interior, reinforcing the sense of balance and understated elegance.
In Conclusion
The finished space is a harmonious blend of materiality, craftsmanship and atmosphere. The tactile warmth of cork contrasts beautifully with marble surfaces, brass detailing and carefully considered lighting, creating a dining environment that feels grounded yet refined.
From the glowing bar area to the intimate private dining spaces framed in bespoke joinery, every detail has been designed to deliver a seamless and memorable experience, demonstrating how considered cork wall décor can define both the look and feel of a space.
At Surface Wow, we were delighted to supply GenCork Corklee and Corkbiomorph panels for this project. Their natural beauty, acoustic performance and sculptural form highlight how innovative cork wall panels can transform interiors while supporting sustainable design values.
Project credits:
Restaurant: Eatzen, Malahide, Dublin
Interior Architect: Millimetre Design
Main Contractor: Creighan Contracts
Joinery Contractors: McKenna & Cairns Joinery
Photographer: Stevie Campbell Creative
Materials Supplied by: Surface Wow, Gencork Corklee & Corkbiomorph