FERRECCIO ADDITION

When approaching the final solution for the design of this bar/TV area addition, a few guidelines had to be followed. First, there was a clear concern with trying to keep the demolition of any existing elements to a minimum since there was very little space for transportation of these residual materials to the exterior of the building. Also, the client had a series of construction materials such as wood beams and roofing, which could (and should) be used. Despite these two limiting conditions, a creative and efficient design scheme was proposed. An existing wall was partially demolished to be used as the base for the bar counter, which was completed using different recycled materials such as SOB and MDF boards, as well as sections of a metal beam. The number and size of the wood beams owned by the client determined the spacing and location of new elements such as metal beams, windows, and even the design of the floor. A sense of continuity was achieved by aligning these horizontal and vertical members. Another key element in the design was the extensive view of the mountains, which were ‘framed’ by a series of high windows behind the bar. In this way the counter below the windows was used to place a collection of bottles resembling the peaks of the mountain range beyond. The use of high windows also helped to block the view to the neighboring roof tops, giving the client a better sense of privacy.

Lighting played an important role in defining two distinct areas within this space. Fluorescent fixtures were used in the bar area, complemented by ‘cool’ materials such as metal and glass. A balancing contrast was obtained by using incandescent point light fixtures in the TV area, giving it a ‘warmer’ feeling, enhanced by a leather couch and wood furniture.