Header: Dmitry Tsyrenshchikov
Located where the imperial 13th-century stables once stood, the Maison Rouge is a multifunctional space that houses a restaurant, a lounge and a nightclub. Located in the centre of St Petersburg, the volume attracts visitors with its elegant, intimate atmosphere, created by combining contemporary design with a historic high arches and large windows.
The interior design by DA BUREAU
The interior design is inspired by a lava lamp’s endless shift of light. To recreate this continuous motion of the lamp, the designers from DA BUREAU installed 16 amorphous fibreglass volumes with fluid shapes. Coated with metallic enamel for additional shine, the volumes represent a unique sculptural object d’art shaping the project identity. Apart from framing the venue’s zones (the cloakroom, the VIP room, the kitchen and the hookah bar), one large fibreglass element conceals a ventilation system.
Three types of seating
The interior is organically connected with the architectural form of the space. The sunlight transforms the venue from a classic restaurant into a more intimate lounge and finally a vibrant nightclub. Upon entering the venue, the visitors will encounter a large lacquered amorphous bar that’s linked with high tables perfect for socialising over cocktails. Bar seating, dining-height seating and lounge seating are combined with cosy seats by the window for more formal meetings.
Pleated curtains cover the large windows to ensure privacy in the evening hours, accompanied by low, soft sofas opposing the interactive DJ booth whose rhythm follows the music and the energy of the crowd. The second room is separated from the lounge by a large door. Covered by an amorphous form, the door enhances the cocoon-like effect of the design. Serving as a private VIP zone, the room is pefect of the events that need to be held separately from the main area.
Maison Rouge lighting design
Lighting is an important element for shaping both the space and the atmosphere of the volume. Three separate lighting scenarios have been set up in the venue.
- The classic restaurant setting, which features narrow beams illuminating the tabletops, along with small accent lighting coming from the DJ booth and red-orange floor lamps
- Salon-lounge setting, featuring light enriched with red washes and lighting effects that move with the sound
- Finally, the nightclub setting with dominant stage lighting and programmed scenarios
Textile and material palette
To achieve lava-like flow, DA BUREAU selected a versatile material palette. Lacquered wood, natural stone, suede, and leather are accompanied by rose gold, stainless steel and black wooden partitions. The textures allow for an easy and seamless transition of a space from a bar to a lounge and a nightclub in the late hours. Maison Rouge won a LIV Hospitality Design Award in the Interior Design Bar Lounge category.
Inspired by the fluidity of a lava lamp, the Maison Rouge quickly and seamlessly changes from a daytime restaurant to an evening salon-lounge and a nightclub. Cleverly selected lighting and zoning ensure a premium experience throughout the day.
