The project is a remodel of an existing 27 year-old, beloved neighborhood sushi restaurant in San Francisco. A 100 year old, two-story structure built over the sand dunes of the city’s western slopes next to Golden Gate Park, houses the restaurant and an upper private flat. Respecting the Japanese origins and aesthetics of the owners, design inspiration came from the sea and the restaurant’s namesake, the Japanese god of fortune, whom Japanese fishermen traditionally honored. The design utilizes common materials in uncommon ways, providing honest tectonic expression in the details, and blends the innovative with the traditional. The jury was particularly impressed with the beautiful ceiling detail. “It feels like a precious Bento Box” commented one juror.