claesson koivisto rune architects completes design of portal bar

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