claesson koivisto rune has completed designs for portal bar in stockholm, intended to be a ‘mischievous’ younger sibling to the venue’s main restaurant. in contrast to the dining area which adopts a typically scandinavian approach with light wood and light grey walls, the bar is unmistakably dark and moody with abstract art guiding its guests. ‘we wanted the space to have a certain atmosphere,’ the architects tell designboom. ‘sort of relaxed design-wise — a place where people feel good in.’
images courtesy of åke e:son lindman
facing each other through large glass windows the portal bar and restaurant are connected, yet separate. portal’s bar is a space to relax and unwind, located in the same heritage building but completely different in style. dark walls are offset against stone floors and countertops made of swedish limestone. all visible wood is oak and the chairs are a classic bent wood ‘811’ model by ton, based on a 1930 design by josef hoffman.
claesson koivisto rune was keen to get swedish artist jesper waldersten involved in the project, making his mark on the restaurant with several illustrations. these flowing figures form part of a story which told upon a backdrop of dark blue walls and matching curtains. illuminating the space are copper lamps made in collaboration with wästberg, which are intended to create a fireplace feeling throughout. curved panels of copper are used to create a warm glow of indirect light.
‘we wanted the bar to be warm and inviting,’ claesson koivisto rune explains. this is achieved with a multi-level layout that allows guests to effortlessly circulate the bar, guided by the abstract motifs that adorn the various surfaces. ‘the different floor levels of the building looks like it’s always has been this way — which was also our intention — but we had to do quite a lot of restructuring and rebuilding to achieve it.‘
project info
studio: claesson koivisto rune
name: portal bar
location: stockholm
bar architecture and design (11 articles)
estudio HMA's mamba bar fuses oxidised iron tones with greenery in buenos aires
starbucks reserve roastery opens in new york's meatpacking district
'punkraft' bar by ater brings the rebellious spirit of craft beer to downtown kiev
claesson koivisto rune (50 articles)
villa widlund by claesson koivisto rune in 'house art view' exhibition in tokyo
claesson koivisto rune develops soft door handle for turn with a thick lever and round edges
circular by design: really taps 8 designers to meddle with materials during milan design week
stockholm furniture fair 2019 (15 articles)
design news
400,000 pieces of LEGO were used to build this full-size volkswagen
#design
the VW is decked out in LEGO creations too, including folding tables, a sink, coffee set, gas stove, and artwork.
the VW is decked out in LEGO creations too, including folding tables, a sink, coffee set, gas stove, and artwork.
iconic fashion designer karl lagerfeld dies aged 85
#design
his death comes after missing his end-of-show-bow during the chanel show at paris fashion week in january because he was unable to attend.
his death comes after missing his end-of-show-bow during the chanel show at paris fashion week in january because he was unable to attend.
alessandro mendini: remarkable projects that will continue to influence the design world
#design
from a tram stop in germany to a smiling corkscrew named ‘anna g.’, we take a look at some of the late designer's most celebrated work.
from a tram stop in germany to a smiling corkscrew named ‘anna g.’, we take a look at some of the late designer's most celebrated work.
in conversation: stefano boeri on la triennale di milano's expansive plans and new identity
#design
designboom met architect stefano boeri, who was recently elected president of la triennale di milano, to investigate how he and his team of curators intend to »
designboom met architect stefano boeri, who was recently elected president of la triennale di milano, to investigate how he and his team of curators intend to bring the institution back to its traditional, celebrated roots.