qwa bar
Created in collaboration with Alysha Haaks, Julia Dramburg, and Zoe Meuleneers, this bar was developed inside a former clothing store in the historic center of Detmold. To create a contrast with the classical architecture, the interior combines aluminum, stainless steel, glass blocks, and soft, subtly shimmering shades of blue. The uneven tiled floor was replaced with exposed screed to ensure a fully accessible surface. The visible wooden columns were complemented by an integrated aluminum shelving system, harmoniously connecting the new design with the existing structure. Together, the chosen materials abstractly reflect the central theme of the bar: water.
Interior Architecture
The spatial experience of the bar relies entirely on this continuous play between transparency and reflection. By utilizing industrial surfaces that naturally capture and diffuse the shifting light, the space mimics the fluid, ever-changing nature of water. The clean metalwork and translucent glass blocks do not just contrast the old building, they elevate it, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels both futuristic and welcoming. Every detail is deliberately integrated to strip away clutter, allowing the material choices to act as the primary narrative and transforming the historical interior into a monolithic, modern sanctuary.
