STAR INSTALLATION THE SEA Architects have used bespoke handmade tiles and a stunning combination of colour to


A small pintxos (tapas) bar in the old part of San Sebastian needed a complete transformation due to a change of ownership. Having worked on some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, design studio El Equipo Creativo knew the importance of preserving the essence of these traditional pintxos bars, with their long bars full of exposed tapas and their lively and casual atmosphere.


The bar is located on Fermín Calbetón Street, a classic street of pintxos, which connects to the port. Small fishing boats still dock at La Bretxa market, the old fish market in the city which operates as a gourmet shopping centre today. The old name of the bar, Txalupa is how the small and colourful fishing boats are called. This name became an inspiration to reflect on the heart of this neighbourhood which is inseparable from the sea.


On the ground floor, the bar has been designed with a clear reference to the port and its colour. The water of the port of San Sebastian, with a certain depth and calm, acquires a dark greenish hue, which becomes the main tone of the space. The curved wooden bar references the txalupas boats, both in its tones and in its materiality.


— 10 —


The handmade ceramic tiles by Fábrica de Rajoles were designed specifically for the project and helped to introduce an aquatic effect through their intense turquoise colour, imperfections and brightness.


As a colour counterpoint, ropes were introduced which is a typical material in traditional fishing nets. These strings helped giving some privacy and personality to the tables. At the same time, they provide contrast to the depth of the turquoise background thanks to their light and warm tones.


In the basement, an antagonistic space needed to be created: a small private club, with a nocturnal and sophisticated atmosphere where selected snacks and cocktails are offered. The design finds inspiration in an old boat cellar where the warm golden wood-tone envelops us, in contrast to the blue maritime floor.


The connecting stairway between the two spaces becomes one of the main protagonists of the project. Due to its symbolism, a narrow and mysterious tunnel tinted with red light helps the place to attract customers in search of a more nocturnal and forbidden experience.


en.elequipocreativo.com www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26