House of Weekend, a Berlin nightclub institution housed on the 11th floor of a former East German office building on Alexanderplatz, sought an update to its bar and VIP lounge.

The existing island bar was replaced with an L-shaped concrete structure raised on a platform featuring strategic “bumps” that subtly guide guests towards a central point. This design improves functionality and mimics the space’s exposed concrete structure.

The bar back, a frame of steel I-beams, is adorned with a unique burned/cracked texture resulting from experimentation with black MDF and heat. This and the glittering black bar top create a striking contrast against the raw concrete.

A simple track lighting system highlights the unique surfaces and materials, while removing the VIP lounge opens up the space, inviting a more inclusive club experience. The result is a bar that embodies the spirit of Berlin – experimental, bold, and unafraid to embrace its own unique identity.

Architect: ALLEN KAUFMANN Architekten

Photography: Yuzhu Zheng