The simple act of drinking a coffee can sometimes become a spectacular experience. That’s what Meltino Bar & Lounge from Braga, Portugal wanted to create for their customers: transparent multi functional spaces that make you feel relaxed and comfortable. The design was signed by LOFF, a Portuguese lighting design and architecture studio that made their best to create an unique, stylish bar in a shopping center. As you can easily notice from the pictures below, the concept relies on a symbol: the coffee grain which peeks inside, pierces walls, roofs and counters. Architect’s intention was to make a visual identity that last in clients’ memory for long time, persuading them to come back over and over again. Fragmentation of space, transparent areas and perforated walls associated with different lighting systems create a comfortable lounge area for the clients. Meltino Bar & Lounge is divided in 3 areas: two volumes (identical and translucent) and an interior esplanade elevated from the mall floor.
The two volumes are identical, but they have distinct uses and pieces of furniture. The first one represents the lounge area where you can have a coffee and gourmet products, while the second one is used as a bar for espressos.
The bar relies on a light balance atmosphere: indirect light with diachronic lamps and halogens lamps were used.
The coffee grains conquer the bar, perforate and draw the volumes, the walls, and the ceiling. Their shadows are cast in the floor, or dancing in the space.
A matrix was built in the form of 3 panels.
The covering of the walls, ceiling and balconies is in MDF painted in white.
The coffee grain represents the symbol of the bar and the designer chose white and brown as dominant colors for the interior.
The furniture appeals to sensorial feelings.
The logo welcomes the guests at the entrance.
Photography by Fernando Guerra