Bar PENICILLIN, Hong Kong Interior Development, HK Commercial Design Project, Photos
Bar PENICILLIN in Hong Kong
29 Dec 2020
Bar PENICILLIN
Design: COLLECTIVE
Location: SoHo, Hong Kong, China
COLLECTIVE, Hong Kong based international architecture studio, has completed a closed-loop sustainable concept Bar PENICILLIN in the nightlife district SoHo in Hong Kong. PENICILLIN’s design is informed by the founders’ philosophy of minimizing carbon footprint in food and beverage production, and to showcase their continuous process of culinary experimentation.
The PENICILLIN Lab, designed by COLLECTIVE, at the first closed-looped sustainable concept bar PENICILLIN in Hong Kong – Credit: Kevin Mak
The design is a hybrid theme of ‘industrial’ and ‘nature’ – the concept dives deep into an exploration of the coexistence of men’s hard work with nature. PENICILLIN’s design tells the story through the contrast in materiality.
The PENICILLIN Lab, exterior and entrance are cladded in white tiles, showcasing the team’s culinary experiments, processes, equipment and machineries. The Fermentation Chamber is located at the back of the bar as an extension to the laboratory, allowing visitors to see the work-in-progress experiments at PENICILLIN. The seating area and main bar adopts the palettes and finishes inspired by characteristics often found in nature such as dark, earthy tones and raw textures of stones.
Hong Kong’s first closed-looped sustainable concept bar ‘PENICILLIN’, designed by COLLECTIVE – Credit: Kevin Mak
The focal point is the main bar, featuring a bar countertop which appears as if it was carved out of giant volcanic rock and is described as the ‘cockpit for bartending’ by founder Agung Prabowo, designed to fit all the needs for performative efficiency. The language of laboratory design is further explored through the customised displays behind the main bar. PENICILLIN’s bespoke bottles of cocktails and ingredients are fixed onto the wall with a laboratory clamping system.
Hong Kong’s concept bar PENICILLIN, designed by COLLECTIVE – Credit: Kevin Mak
Adhering to PENICILLIN’s philosophy of closed-loop creation process and utilizing locally found resources, COLLECTIVE collaborated with @streetsignhk, a local conservation group that advocates street signs as urban cultural heritage, to design and fabricate customised neon wall lights, signages and handmade labels for the bespoke cocktail bottles. COLLECTIVE also worked with HK Timberbank, a local social entrepreneur focusing on recycling and reusing timber for construction and carpentry, to source pieces of fallen tree trunks from the typhoon seasons and fabricated the tabletops.
Betty Ng, founder of COLLECTIVE says: ‘Roman and Agung wanted to work with someone who hadn’t necessarily designed for food and beverage before. They are both very hardworking and open-minded to explore new ideas. For them to keep pushing for something new and different in this current climate — and taking risks — is something that is completely aligned with COLLECTIVE’s own philosophy. And that’s why I’ve decided to be a part of this project.’
Tables made from recycled timber at Hong Kong’s bar PENICILLIN, design by COLLECTIVE – photo credit: Kevin Mak
With a focus on conserving energy, minimizing pollution, and tapping a network of local producers and designers to explore the various aspects of Hong Kong culture, PENICILLIN offers a completely new and sustainable bar-going experience like no other.
ABOUT COLLECTIVE
COLLECTIVE is an International Architecture Office practicing Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design. They are a research and concept driven architecture practice that offer powerful narratives, insist on Clarity, Beauty and Function. While remaining dedicated to the realization of Architecture, COLLECTIVE also engage in Academia, Preservation, Strategies, Scenography, Exhibition Architecture and Experiential Art.
Founded by Betty Ng in 2015, COLLECTIVE is co-directed by Juan Minguez, Katja Lam and Chi Yan Chan, consist of a very diverse team with an international background. The team members have previously practiced closely with international architecture offices including those of Pritzker Prize winning architecture studios of Rem Koolhaas/ OMA, Herzog & de Meuron as senior members, and at various renowned studios worldwide.
COLLECTIVE is globally oriented and strongly rooted in Asia, headquartered in Hong Kong with studios in Madrid and San Francisco/ New York.
About PENICILLIN
Inspired by the farm-to-table movement taking the culinary world by storm, Hong KongPENICILLIN is Hong Kong’s first sustainable bar that champions a closed-loop model of production. Named after the breakthrough group of antibiotics that heralded an age of medical revolution, PENICILLIN bar similarly brings a revolutionary take on sustainability in today’s waste-heavy world of cocktail creation. The bar’s prized feature, THE PENICILLIN LAB illustrates the behind-the-scenes processes of discovery and experimentation on its path towards minimal-waste.
PENICILLIN bar is founded by bar veterans Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale (previously The Old Man), Laura Prabowo and Katy Ghale, designed by Betty Ng of COLLECTIVE, bringing the first minimal-waste cocktail list to its historic location on Hollywood Road. With a focus on either locally sourced or up-cycled food and drink ingredients, PENICILLIN’s bar menu finds innovation in the true flavours of Hong Kong – while working constantly to minimize waste and carbon footprint.
Photographer © Kevin Mak
Bar PENICILLIN, Hong Kong images / information received 291220
Location: K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong, Eastern Asia
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