The design task was a comprehensive transformation and expansion of the existing Cord Brunch & Bar. The brief called for a cohesive identity that could transition seamlessly from a vibrant Bar venue to a refined evening restaurant. The client envisioned a space that would stand out for its contemporary aesthetic while offering a unique atmosphere and bold use of color.
The concept centers around a single dominant hue — deep burgundy — anchoring the interior with a strong emotional and visual presence. This rich tone acts as a unifying thread between the original and newly added spaces. Complemented by a neutral palette, the design emphasizes texture through the interplay of smooth surfaces, metallic accents, and natural materials including plywood, brick, and stone.
The interior is organized across multiple zones: a main bar, communal dining area, semi-private alcoves, a secluded lounge on the lower ground floor, a semi-open kitchen, and restrooms. The key challenge was connecting spaces on varying levels while maintaining spatial coherence and preserving the intimacy of the original bar setting. Engineering systems were carefully integrated into the existing architectural fabric to ensure a harmonious blend of old and new.
A defining element of the project lies in the two distinct central bar modules — one crafted from plywood, the other from brick. These structures serve as both spatial anchors and visual focal points, grounding the flow across levels.
Furniture design plays a vital role, with all pieces — except for restored vintage chairs — custom-made for the project. The furniture and wall treatments are conceived as extensions of each other, blending seamlessly through matching tones and forms. Material contrast was a guiding principle: straw-toned leather upholstery interacts with dark, smooth metals and textured surfaces.
The interior plays with tactile contrast — exposed brick walls transition into warm wood paneling and subtly textured plaster, creating layered sensory experiences.
On the lower level, an unused basement was reimagined as a quiet, lounge-like retreat. Its muted lighting, deep colors, and soft textures offer a sense of spatial and acoustic detachment from the bustling city outside.
The project was carried out concurrently with evolving conceptual directions, demanding flexibility and swift adaptation across all stages. Integrating pre-existing spaces into the new spatial narrative required careful coordination to achieve organic cohesion.
The result is a richly atmospheric and immersive interior — a composition of drama, depth, and material elegance. Balancing brutalist textures with refined details, the space offers a strong sensory narrative defined by contrasts of light, tone, and texture.
