Case Study
A wine bar with an elegant bar counter that attracts all eyes (and withstands everything)
Eugenio Ciccocioppo
Location
Lanciano, Abruzzo (Italy)
Material
Silestone
Application
Bar Top
End date
2022
Architecture/Design
Eugenio Ciccocioppo
Color
Eternal Marquina
Quantity
1 slab
Architect Eugenio Ciccocioppo was commissioned with a very special project in Lanciano, a small town on the Adriatic coast in Abruzzo: to design Vineria 124, a bar with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that would evoke the colours of the vineyards and the familiarity of a wine cellar in an urban environment.
To meet this complex challenge, Ciccocioppo made several decisions. “The architectural feature that best reflects this need is the layout of the spaces: Vineria 124 is not conceived as a single space with a random arrangement of tables, but is organised into small exclusive areas that provide privacy and intimacy for customers”, says the architect.
The delicate lighting provided by the various spheres hanging from the ceiling is reflected in the curve of the arches and softened by the use of wood in their cladding, all of which contributes to this effect.
“The choice of colours – petrol green for the walls and pink and burgundy for the furniture – refers to the typical tones of vineyards and grapes, the essential raw material for wine production”, he further says.
A sturdy black bar with white veins to complement and enhance the decorative choices
Meanwhile, the wine bottles were placed in a black metal mesh that serves as a bottle rack and which is complemented by the golden shades used in the decorative elements. Among them is the ‘ribbon’ that runs along the underside of the bar, which is the main feature of the space.
“In this sense, the bar counter is the element that softens the metal-gold contrast, merging the essential and modern character of the black shade of Silestone Et Marquina, which was used for the top, with the sinuosity of the wood used on its vertical side”, explains the architect.
And he continues: “In a space open to the public, the counter area is always the core around which everything revolves. It was therefore necessary to highlight this role through a colour and material capable of standing out and, at the same time, enhancing the shades and materials that characterise Vineria 124. The choice of Cosentino’s Silestone Et Marquina succeeded in bringing together the objectives pursued. In fact, its deep black background crossed by white veins creates a contrasting marble effect that makes the counter the distinctive element of the space”, he further says.
The fact that the bar counter is the heart of the establishment obviously entails a high level of use, which makes the use of marble undesirable. “The bar counter is basically a work surface and is therefore subject to daily wear and tear. In this sense, the advantages of using this Cosentino material include its high resistance to stains and scratches, while at the same time offering great aesthetic value”, Ciccocioppo says finally.