Located in the center of IJsselstein, this project introduces a new social program within an existing hospitality context. The Loft88 cocktail bar is directly connected to the adjacent restaurant. Both visually and experientially, a strong relationship is established between the two spaces, facilitated by two arched doorways and a shared circulation around the restrooms.
Through this positioning, the bar does not function as a standalone venue, but rather as an extension of a larger spatial composition. Visitors are subtly drawn inside, while a clear distinction in character between the spaces is simultaneously maintained.
In addition, the closable doors provide flexibility: the space can easily be configured as a private setting for events. In this scenario, the cocktail bar is directly accessible via the main entrance on Molenstraat.
Concept
The design is driven by the idea of the “in-between” . Rather than creating enclosed rooms, the interior unfolds as a sequence of interconnected zones that encourage movement, visual engagement, and occupation from multiple vantage points.
Curved geometries define this language. Inspired by the structural columns, these elements are translated behind the bar and onto the floor plan. They act as subtle spatial dividers guiding circulation and framing areas without interrupting the openness of the room. The result is a space that feels cohesive yet layered, where transitions are gradual and intuitive.
At its core, the bar is centralized. This strategic placement ensures a visual relationship across the entire interior, allowing both guests and staff to remain connected to the atmosphere of the space, while also maintaining a dialogue with the neighbouring restaurant.
Programm
The spatial organization is structured into three distinct yet fluid zones, each offering a different mode of occupation:
Rear Zone — Lounge / Stage
A more intimate, slightly elevated lounge area provides a relaxed setting during the early evening. As the night progresses, this space transforms into a stage for live music, introducing a performative dimension to the bar.
Central Zone — Social Core
Positioned around the bar, this area operates at standing and bar height. It encourages direct interaction, placing guests at eye level with the bartenders and fostering a dynamic, social atmosphere.
Front Zone — Traditional Seating
Located near the entrance, this area offers a calmer, more conventional setting with lower seating, catering to guests seeking a quieter experience.
Two newly introduced openings reinforce the clarity of circulation. The doors lead between the restaurants and to the restrooms and the lounge/stage area, ensuring a seamless transition between public and more private zones
Materialization
While the initial references draw from a Mediterranean sensibility, the approach avoids direct imitation. Instead, the design translates this influence into a language of warmth, tactility, and tonal depth.
A deliberate strategy was adopted to differentiate the spatial zones through material and texture. The back wall is articulated with patterned tiles, introducing a subtle rhythm and a moody visual depth that anchors the bar. In contrast, microcement surfaces provide a continuous, smooth finish yet retain a richness in tone that prevents the space from feeling flat or overly minimal.
The bar itself is expressed in natural stone, adding weight and permanence to the central element. Together, these elements interact with light in varied ways, enhancing shadow, reflection, and depth, and reinforcing the intimate, atmospheric quality of the interior. Curved elements are emphasized through material continuity, reinforcing their presence within the space.
The interplay between darker tones and controlled lighting results in a setting that feels both grounded and atmospheric, inviting guests to settle in, engage with the surroundings, and experience the bar as more than just a place to drink, but as a carefully composed spatial experience.
