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2840 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin


Sa-Bai Thong is on University Avenue west of the University of Wisconsin campus. The project was a complete interior remodel of the existing space.

The major challenges of the project were:

1.) Visually opening up the constrained dining area and increasing seating without expanding the restaurant square footage.
2.) Utilizing easily maintainable materials capable of withstanding exposure to high levels of cooking oils and grease. Utilizing materials that would hold up under high traffic flow.
3.) Construction had to be completed within three weeks to minimize the loss of revenue that occurs when the restaurant is closed.

A combination of vinyl wood plank and ceramic tiles were used for the flooring to ensure durability and easy maintenance. This material combination provided a rich aesthetic atmosphere to the space. Bright colors were used to visually open up the space creating the feel of a larger environment while enhancing the dining experience. A textured white 2x2 acoustical ceiling tile was used to offset any sound increase from the use of hard surface materials. By using a 2x2 neutral color, conflict with other elements in the space was avoided.

Silk Fabric from Thailand was used instead of walls to create intimate dining areas to avoid reducing the visual size of the space. Using the colorful fabric panels, pendants with rich colors, and the artwork by artist Twyla Gettert unified the overall space providing a relaxing yet energetic dining experience for all patrons.


Project: Architectural Interior
Architect: Linville Architects, LLC
Interior Design: Raw Materials and Linville Architects, LLC
Contractor: Patch Construction, Inc.