Como Tu Bar

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The project's highlight is its curved glass-brick facade, which refracts light into layered patterns, maintaining privacy while sparking curiosity. At night, interior lighting spills outward, turning the corner into a romantic landmark. Inside, a dark green-tiled bar counter, supported by stainless steel tubes, is divided into work, service, and guest zones, with material and height variations allowing light and air flow. A curved ceiling with concealed lighting enhances openness within 62.8 m2. An exposed I-beam and layered wall treatments preserve history while blending retro and modern elements.

Dimensions & Packaging

The space measures approximately 62.8 square meters. During renovation, the original semi-open entrance was transformed into a curved facade, significantly enhancing visibility and identity. The interior is organized around the bar counter, with sofas and small tables arranged along the walls to accommodate both casual visitors and small group gatherings. Restrooms and storage are positioned at the rear, maintaining fluid circulation. The introduction of curved elements elongates sightlines and relieves the sense of constraint, ensuring a balance between commercial function and atmosphere.

Tags

Glass-Brick Facade, Fusion of Old and New, Dadaocheng, Curved Design, Bar Atmosphere, Special Paint, Sustainable Materials

Production Technology

Material choices maintained continuity with original elements. The floor was relaid with terracotta-like tiles, honoring traditional methods. Walls feature three layers of special paint for mottled textures. The bar counter combines dark green tiles with stainless steel round-tube supports for lightness and durability. Portions of the ceiling and wood veneer were retained and stained to harmonize old and new. The palette of deep, steady hues fosters intimacy and immersion under soft lighting, evoking the warmth of enjoying a quiet drink at home.

Design Challenge

The main challenge was the curved glass-brick wall. Heavy and costly, the bricks required carpenters to first create templates and stack them modularly, coordinating repeatedly with suppliers to achieve precise curvature, seamless joints, and structural stability. Uneven, warped original flooring had to be fully redone and leveled, increasing time and cost. Additionally, the client's commercial schedule demanded close collaboration between design and construction teams to complete the 62.8square meters project within just three months.

Research

Located in Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district, the project centers on blending old and new. Light, shadow, and materials preserve heritage textures while redefining commercial space. The curved glass-brick facade refracts layered light by day and glows at night, balancing privacy and openness. The dark green tile and stainless steel bar counter organize work, service, and seating with lightness. A preserved I-beam and textured walls dialogue with history. Curved ceilings, concealed lighting, and terracotta-like flooring create intimacy in 62.8square meters, inviting visitors to pause and engage.

Inspiration

Located in Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district, the project sits along a street where pedestrian activity has declined, but the textures of heritage buildings remain. Centered on 'fusion of old and new,' the design revitalizes the space while honoring traditional crafts. Inspired by observing passersby, it employs light, shadow, and materiality to invite pedestrians to pause and enter. The project preserves the existing structure, extends the cultural fabric, and redefines the commercial space through contemporary expression.

Project Duration

The project finished in May 2025 in Taiwan.

Operation Flow

Both the client and patrons responded with strong approval. Many customers entered for the first time simply because they were drawn by the shifting light through the glass bricks, often returning to become regulars. The proportions of the bar counter were consistently praised for being just right, close enough to foster easy conversation with bartenders, yet sufficiently distanced to avoid pressure. The sofa area quickly became the preferred choice for groups of friends, offering a vantage point to view both the overall ambience and the bartending process, shaping a relaxed and story-filled experience.

Image Credits

Moogur Studio