Saeso

Project Narrative

At the intersection of two alleys where there once sat an empty carriage house across from a law office, you can now find a bustling hospitality eco-system designed to utilize every inch of its small footprint. The project consisted of a cocktail bar, wine shop, and luxury rental connected by a patio to create a one-of-a-kind guest experience.

The project centers around Bar Saeso, a little bar on Sycamore Street. We wanted to celebrate the bones of the building by revealing the original structure but avoid the rustic chic or urban industrial trends that often come with exposing brick walls. Our solution was a concept we call “brutalist on vacation”. Five main materials were used: stone, concrete, metal, plaster, and terracotta. The concrete forms throughout and the arches in the hallway are nods to ancient Rome, the era of Lucius Cincinnatus and his son “Caeso”, from which the bar takes its name.

Across the alley is Sorellina, a wine shop that blends old-world materials with modern accents and celebrates craftsmanship. Step through a hidden door in Sorellina and enter The Carriage House, which offers guests the luxury of a hotel with the privacy of a home.

The successful transformation of two underutilized buildings into a thriving micro-hospitality environment can be attributed to a respect for history and strategic approach to choreographing the guest experience. We considered what makes each space unique as well as what elements connect them all, leveraging design to carry guests seamlessly through each area of the property.

                                           

Project Details

Submission Category

Interior Architecture- Small Scale (<5,000 sf)

Date of Completion

September, 2020