The BEERTEKA project began before construction of the building itself. The primary challenge was to integrate a fully operational brewery into a restaurant within a shopping and entertainment centre. Rather than adapting a completed shell to industrial production, the structural frame, building services and technological requirements were incorporated from the earliest stages of the building's design.
The brewing equipment generates structural loads of up to 4,000 kg/m², requiring the floor slabs to be engineered before construction began. A dedicated steel mezzanine with a design load of 2,000 kg/m² was developed to support the fermentation tanks. Its configuration preserves uninterrupted views of the brewing process from multiple levels while maintaining panoramic views across the city.
Unlike conventional breweries, the production process remains fully visible to visitors. The equipment is integrated into the architecture rather than concealed behind partitions or glazing. This approach required dedicated wastewater treatment, carefully coordinated MEP systems and chemical-resistant floor finishes capable of withstanding industrial cleaning processes.
The project is organised around a double-height volume that visually connects production and dining areas. Multiple seating levels establish clear sightlines throughout the space, while steel mezzanines along the glazed façade maximise views without compromising structural performance. A bespoke beam system with progressively reducing structural sections achieves the required load-bearing capacity while minimising the visual weight of the construction.
The spatial composition gradually reveals the brewery as visitors move through the interior. The entrance leads into a lounge area, followed by the Beer Library, displaying more than 3,000 bottles, before opening into the main hall overlooking the brewing equipment. A biodynamic ceiling lighting system responds to natural daylight by automatically adjusting light intensity and colour temperature throughout the day.
The architectural language is based on exposed structure and honest materials. Concrete, brick, structural steel, timber and copper are left visible rather than concealed by decorative finishes. MEP services, ventilation ductwork, cable trays, fire suppression systems and structural elements remain exposed and become integral components of the architectural composition. Bespoke features include tables mounted on industrial machine rails, a fully operational 8-ton overhead hoist, turbine-inspired light fixtures and custom-designed furniture, including a sofa referencing the iconic 1959 Cadillac.
Flexibility was another key design objective. The central stage operates on custom hydraulic scissor lifts and offers three operating positions, allowing the venue to transition between everyday restaurant service, concerts, festivals and private events without altering the overall spatial layout.
One of the project's most demanding engineering challenges involved the HVAC and smoke extraction systems. Because of the building's configuration, conventional duct routing was not possible. Instead of introducing oversized rectangular ducts into the interior, the smoke extraction system was redesigned as a network of smaller circular ducts. This solution met fire safety requirements while preserving visual openness and integrating the building services into the architectural expression.
At BEERTEKA, architecture is driven by process rather than decoration. Structural engineering, building services and brewing technology define the organisation of the space, demonstrating how industrial production can become the foundation of an architectural concept.
