A new whiskey bar concept in Shanxi Province from the French Beijing-based studio JSPA Design has gotten our attention following the project’s completion earlier this year.  

The space was made out of the former two-story podium for the building that is occupied above by an apartment complex. A new facade was enacted made with cast-in-place concrete panels while interaction with the street and city is further enabled by installing operable folding windows and a concrete bench usable on either side.

The repetition of a concrete arch grants a further recognizable character to the space using the existing architecture of the building as a kind of identity. On the second floor, the notion of intimacy is predominant and created via a series of three small alcoves which are again covered by a cast-in arch that conceals small benches and a fireplace while offering views of a feature "showcase shelf" designed to hold the spirits.

Finally, all of the furnishings, fixtures, and other prehensile elements were made of contrasting warm materials—an oakwood bar, leather-covered bench seats, etc.—to improve the "sensorial experience" of users. 

The total floor area for both levels is 664 square meters (or 7,157 square feet). JSPA was founded by Joha Sarvan in 2009.