Uma Nota - Manila
A groundbreaking Japanese Brazilian restaurant that redefines dining and nightlife in Manila.
Tucked beneath the luxurious Shangri-La The Fort in Manila, Uma Nota offers a dining experience where Brazilian and Japanese cultures seamlessly blend in a vibrant and immersive setting. The Odd Duck design studio envisioned a dramatic floating tree as the centrepiece of the space, aiming for an installation that would captivate the senses and create an unforgettable focal point in the restaurant’s towering interior.
When the project reached TreeLocate Foliages, our sister company, they embraced the challenge. The suspended tree would need to meet aesthetic expectations and achieve technical precision. The team worked tirelessly to create the illusion of weightlessness, balancing the artistry of the design with structural integrity.
The tree was manufactured using a hidden steel plate within the roots and concealed tensioned cables to give it a floating appearance. A combination of Ficus foliage and cherry blossoms was chosen to mirror the lively energy of Brazil and the serene simplicity of Japan. Safety was a top priority, so our FireSilx fire-retardant foliage was used, ensuring peace of mind in the enclosed restaurant space. The tree was thoroughly checked before being shipped in sections to Manila, with detailed assembly instructions and remote support for the installation team.
The floating tree, spanning 5.5 metres in diameter, has since become an iconic feature at Uma Nota Manila. Dramatically lit from below, it casts shifting shadows that bring the space to life, transforming the environment into a truly magical setting.
Asmaa Said, Founder and Director of The Odd Duck, reflected on the collaboration:
“The team at Foliages were instrumental in realising our vision for the Hanging Tree installation, the centrepiece at Uma Nota Manila. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensured our design was executed beautifully and with precision.”
Photography - Sergei Nekrasov
