Baroq House – Melbourne
Award-winning architects, Hachem recently transformed iconic Melbourne nightclub Baroq House as part of a lavish $4 million venue revamp that is meticulously detailed and loaded with a luxurious pallet of materials that adorn the opulant venue. Following the successful redesign of Baroq’s sister nightclub and Collective Establishment venue Bond Bar in 2014, Hachem were once again re-engaged to bring their original design into the modern era. The result is a cocktail bar, draped in opulence that exudes sophistication reminiscent of 17th century Europe, where a private booth can set you back $2,000 to $5,000, and yes they are fully booked!
Hachem first created Baroq in 2006 during the resurgence of Melbourne’s CBD ‘hidden’ bar scene. Drawing inspiration from their original design approach, Hachem set out to lure the nightclub into a modern context without compromising the classic baroque aesthetic.
‘The revamp was was never about redesigning Baroq, it was about keeping the original concept and making it stronger both from a functional perspective through to how people interact socially and engage with the spaces.’ says Fady Hachem, Founder of Hachem.
With an intention to enhance venue functionality, whilst simultaneously create spaces that amplify social experience, the project required major structural revisions. The end result is a dynamic bar and nightclub which guides guests through three distinct zones, each offering their own unique interior essence.
Through the main entrance sits the lavish cocktail bar boasting a marble bar-top overlooked by a digital mural of a modernised lady of the baroque period, which has been applied to glass and mounted on stone. Most noticeable is the detail in the ceiling, crafted from bent metal which curls to reflect the custom baroque pattern on the carpeted floor consisting of over 200 pieces of hand worked metal.
Beyond the main cocktail area sits a dance floor and VIP zone. Again, the ceiling remains a focal point, using pressed metal which triggers a ripple effect that elegantly reflects light. Lighting is a dominant feature throughout the space, with technology implemented to add accents of motion and texture which heighten the overall venue experience.
Below, on the lower level, the lush detailing is dialled back to offer a typical Melbourne basement bar experience. Elements of ornate adorning sustain an upscale experience in the underground, including the repetition of the pressed metal ceiling.
Throughout each distinct zone, juxtaposing colour palettes have been applied; the cocktail bar is adorned in lighter and brighter golds and yellows, the VIP area upholstered in black, greens and gold detailing, and the basement characterised by a glowing champagne.