TwoRuba Bar | AfroditiKrassa

The Hilton brand, nearly a century old, is going through massive transformation, loosening up its brand guidelines for design and inviting rising stars of hospitality design such as AfroditiKrassa to contribute to the future of their sites.

AfroditiKrassa’s unique approach to a client brief is always aimed to design a true category definer. Its approach on this project was no different; conceiving TwoRuba and leading to the Studio’s sourcing of a unique material to develop an extremely flexible space that transforms seamlessly from casual coffee bar at daytime to sleek destination lounge bar at night.

AfroditiKrassa pushes the boundaries of the traditional curtain with a modern interpretation of the room divider using ‘metal mesh drapery’, an innovative, eco friendly and hardwearing bronze metal material. The curtain works alongside a central “catwalk” area which links all three levels of the bar and from which the entire space is articulated. To emphasize this strong sense of direction, lighting pendants rhythmically dress the ceiling and guide customers through the space. The combination of bespoke modular loose furniture ensures maximum flexibility for both groups and more intimate private settings.

AfroditiKrassa’s concept for the bar, TwoRuba, is based on dualities, reflecting the duality and contrast of the area’s rich historical background: London’s iconic Tower Bridge and the modernity of the surrounding buildings; and on the other hand Bermondsey, which though now buzzes with urban cool, is rooted in the trades of Leather, Hide and Wool Exchange – a great source of inspiration for the Studio when selecting materials, textures and patterns for the project.

Based on urban opulence, the material palette plays on contrasts: luxurious soft fabrics, such as quilted tan leather and deep purple suede with more hardwearing materials such as concrete, copper, brass and timber. The walnut timber adds warmth and a refined elegance to the design whilst the bronze mirror is a more lavish finish in the interior.

AfroditiKrassa plays on contemporary and traditional references: traditional lead glass windows are the inspiration for the diamond pattern, driving the aesthetic of the space and recurrent within the detailing of the design. The new addition to the ground floor is a separate room intended for private hiring for the hotel clientele or walk-in private parties. The interior is a combination of a sexy lounge with an urban edge to the materials and details. The diamond pattern creates a wall panelling, subtly backlit.