The young french owner just moved from Paris to Berlin to start his own business: a little bar with a french touch. The request was to create a comfy space for his future guests. They should feel comfortable even if there is only a small group of people in the bar. A cosy and personal atmosphere was needed. A simple place. Clear lines, not too many details, no chi chi. A bar where people simply go to have a good drink and easy chats with the host and other guests.

The challenges were to create a simple structure for a one-man business in a contorted old building souterrain location on the one hand, and to cope with a tight budget on the other – that forced us to re-use materials. Another very important point we considered was the owner’s strong charisma, appearance and personality. To design an atmosphere that suits him and creates an authentic surrounding for him and his guests was a very inspiring and interesting task – but also one of the toughest.

Dark green painted walls and anthracite oak floorboards create a dim and cosy place. It is dominated by a big centered generously proportioned bar which allows most of the guests to gather around the host/barman. The counter and the board along the windows are built of piled ancient ship planks. Industrial black bar stools and french lamps with rusty lampshades generate contrasts that are being taken up by further reused rusty objects hanging indirectly illuminated on the walls. They provide a pleasant lighting and pick up the look of the owner.

Designed by Thilo Reich
Photography by Stefan Lucks