The project lies within a small, linear vaulted building in the old town of Chania.The historical nature of the shell, the perfectly clean geometry of the space, and the cocktail-making process were the key design parameters.
The limited width and the dominant vaulted ceiling highlighted the need for simple, clean gestures in the design that would optimally satisfy the ergonomics and comfort of the space
The main conceptual idea is summarized in the contrast of three primary geometries with different materialities, which are articulated according to the functional requirements of the bar, aiming to visually enlarge the space through reflections and transparency.
LINEAR CORE The elongated workbench starts from the facade and extends almost the entire length of the space, enhancing the visual depth of the room. It consolidates all the operational functions of the bar, while simultaneously incorporating all the mechanical installations, leaving the stone shell and floor intact. The stainless steel construction allows for complex geometries, and its reflective properties intensify the desired visual effect of depth. Plywood is also used, whose roughness contrast with the smoothness of the steel, completing the “industrial” style of the construction.
CURVE The linearity of the counter ends with a curved surface, which defines the necessary space for movement towards the toilet and storage area. Its construction from perforated sheet metal emphasizes the path of the curve and separates the functions, filtering the view without creating a visual barrier.
OBLIQUE At the back of the space, a surface with an irregular outline forms the visual boundary of the area, behind which the toilet and storage room are located. Its opacity is negated by its materiality, as the continuous mirror it is made from “doubles” the space and intensifies the perspective.
The limited area of the space demands the multifunctionality of the design elements. The custom-made lighting follows the linearity of the bar, extending the entire length of the space, and incorporates the ventilation system for the restroom.
The strict and precise process of cocktail production required the detailed design of the bar equipment, with custom-made constructions that introduce and embody the cocktail-making process, from the preparation and storage of the raw materials to the final presentation. Text description by the architects.
Source: www.indetailarch.com Lead Architects: Nikos Fournaris, Antonis Dysseakis Construction: InDetail Architecture, Ivi Evlogimenou Construction oversight: ΙnDetail Architecture Graphics & bar station consultant: Christos Retsis
