This project was a refurbishment of a first-floor existing bar space that operated as a band room for Eurotrash bar downstairs. As the designer for both Eurotrash on the ground floor and Berlin Bar on the second floor, the client engaged Arium Design to revitalise the middle floor into a new concept bar that was initiated by the purchase of several artworks created by local artist Dennis Ropar. They inspired the design direction as a tribute space to the afterlife; part “day-of-the-dead”, and part celebration of a Guatemalan folk idol (a somewhat outlawed saint) San Simon, or Maximon.
Part of the brief was to incorporate a shrine to Maximon as traditionally worshippers offer him alcohol, tobacco and money - a culture endorsed by the venue.
The main spatial change to the interior was the complete relocation of the existing bar and toilet areas and enclosing the existing narrow outdoor space into two private rooms concealed by sliding door panels that make up a glowing neon tryptich artwork. In April 2012 the client acquired a collection of treasures from a visit to Central America for use in the bar and commissioned other local artists to craft chandelier lighting made from real animal bones (by Sara Penman) and a taxidermy cow’s head sculpture (by Claudio Mantuano) for the interior. Reuse of some existing elements such as track lighting and wrought iron screens helped minimise wastage and allowed for creative reconfiguration of these fittings within the new layout.
The construction of the new service bar in the centre of the space was intended to be an inviting presence visible from the entry and seating areas as well as being customised to the bar staff’s working preference for two identical service stations. A DJ station on an elevated stage area for live performances was also included to maintain the live music option but with the added ability to record from the new adjacent sound engineer studio.
The influx of Mexican-themed venues in Melbourne meant that the bar could cater to the current trend but differ as an offering aimed more towards beverage service as a sensory experience in death, life, spiritual, religious and ritualistic idolatry, and not taking anything too seriously as the designer.
It is hoped that House of Maximon will live up to the testimony of the two other successful hospitality ventures in the building; they each cater to different spatially themed drinking tastes and varying patron demographics but ultimately all maintain a sense of humour in their foundation.
The reuse of existing elements from the previous bar fitout in combination with imported vintage furniture (antique bench table from Izzi and Popo) and second-hand items sourced internationlly and online made the project feel like a kit of existing parts teamed with original works by creative professionals. The conceptual enthusiasm of the client and evolving brief was matched with a skilled team of contractors including a very patient craftsman builder, magician electrician, and a specialist painter who applied custom paint pigment mixes (purchased in Mexico) to the interior walls to create a vivid textural surface throughout the venue.
Lighting selection became an interesting element in the design as the Ropar artworks came complete with neon tubes or multiple globes, but Arium Design did add one commercial feature within the archways of the bar- Hafele LED glass shelves suspended from the wall that produce an eerie blue glow.