When the unexpected becomes the unforgettable. 

Nestled beneath the luxurious Shangri-La The Fort in Manila, Uma Nota is a feast for the senses, blending the vibrant cultures of Brazil and Japan into a singular, unforgettable experience. Inspired by the Japanese immigrants who made their home in São Paulo’s Liberdade district, this restaurant offers more than fusion cuisine—it invites diners into a world where cultural boundaries dissolve and artistry takes centre stage. 

From the moment you descend into this underground hideaway, you’re greeted with the unexpected. Uma Nota’s cavernous dining space, spanning 8 meters in height, is anchored by a centrepiece that appears to defy gravity: a floating tree, untamed and magnificent. Its canopy of Ficus leaves sprawls 5.5 meters in diameter, while its natural olive trunk appears to levitate effortlessly above the ground. Dramatically lit from below, the tree casts dynamic shadows across the curved walls, creating an ambiance where nature feels alive – even without a window in sight. 

When The Odd Duck design studio shared their vision with us for this iconic statement piece, we knew this project was as ambitious as it was extraordinary. The concept of a fully levitating tree was a challenge unlike anything we had tackled in over 30 years of manufacturing. But at TreeLocate Foliages, no idea is too ambitious. 

Suspending a tree of this scale without floor support required both precision engineering and artistry. Every detail was carefully planned, from the concealed steel plate hidden within the roots to the tensioned cables concealed among the foliage. These elements created the illusion of effortless levitation while ensuring complete structural integrity. After rigorous testing in our Dubai facility, the tree was carefully dismantled and shipped to the Philippines. To guarantee flawless execution, we provided detailed step-by-step assembly instructions and remained on call 24/7 to support the installation process. 

The choice of Ficus foliage and cherry blossom flowers was as thoughtfully considered as the engineering behind the structure. The vibrant flowers celebrate Brazil’s wild and untamed spirit, while the understated Ficus leaves honour the elegant restraint of Japanese design. Together, they embody the harmonious fusion that defines Uma Nota’s identity. Beyond aesthetics, however, safety was paramount. Our patented FireSilx inherently fire retardant foliage, engineered to self-extinguish upon contact with flames and prevent the risk of molten plastic dripping on those below, ensured that this stunning centrepiece met the highest fire safety standards—an essential consideration in any enclosed space. 

Bringing the suspended tree to life was a labour of love, one that reflects the perfect marriage of artistic vision and engineering prowess. For us at TreeLocate Foliages, this project represents more than just a technical achievement – it’s a prime example of the boundless creativity that artificial bespoke trees make possible. 

Photography by Sergei Nekrasov 

For more information about the project, read Asmaa Said’s interview with Kanto: https://kanto.ph/spaces/uma-nota-manila-the-odd-duck-design/