BARR
In the former home of the world-renowned restaurant Noma, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Thorsten Schmidt in partnership with chef René Redzepi and Snøhetta have conceived a fresh approach to the iconic space. Snøhetta designed the interiors and new graphic identity for Barr, which opened its doors on July 5 on Copenhagen’s waterfront.
Located in North Atlantic House (Nordatlantens Brygge), Barr is a casual restaurant focused not only on the Nordics, but also on the broader food and drink traditions found in the region along the North Sea; an area that spans Scandinavia, Germany, Benelux and British Isles. The restaurant’s name (Barr: meaning “barley” in old Norse), reflects Schmidt’s fascination with the region’s food and drink history and culture.
Throughout the restaurant, the design is driven by a strong duality and juxtaposition of the old and the new. When entering the restaurant, guests are met with a warm oak floor, contrasting with the rough texture of the original stone walls. A massive, carved wooden counter stretching from one room to the other anchors the space. The ceiling is alternately composed of the original ceiling beams and new, sculpted wooden planks, which are embedded with brass details that reflect micro spots of light. Raw materials - wood, leather and wool - evoke the restaurant’s Northern influence.
In addition to designing the interiors, Snøhetta also designed the branding and visual identity for Barr. Having researched the typographical heritage of the North Sea region, Snøhetta has also developed a unique typeface called Barr Gräbenbach. Shaped by the convergence of traditional handcraft and mechanical production, the typeface creates a bold yet refined expression. It is complemented by a colour palette that references the natural seasons, honest and direct imagery, and a selection of paper qualities and embossing of patterns.
Photo credits: Snøhetta
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