Custom-made "swipe bar"

Following a call for tenders for this centerpiece, we won the competition with a project that combines creativity and technical expertise with a response tailored to this unique use. The first assumption is that a custom-made Rémy Cointreau bar, in this context, can only be a unique piece that provokes a visual reaction and technical enthusiasm among connoisseurs of the bartending profession. This bar unit, the keystone of the venue, must be singular and remarkable to generate the impact expected from it.

A friendly and adaptable custom-made bar. After receiving a concise brief, we decided to create our own specifications. To give this bar the ambition it deserves, four key points appeared crucial to us:
1. An exceptional point of interaction for Rémy Cointreau. This bar is an exceptional communication tool, as it must be at the heart of real-life interactions in situ during training sessions, master classes, workshops, parties, and other events that punctuate the life of the space. It also needs to engage in digital interactions with a strong and identifiable visual impact.
2. A comforting and open conviviality. More than a trend, this value of conviviality is a strong marker of our time. Rémy Cointreau's range includes luxury spirits. We find it very interesting to combine conviviality with a luxury code often focused on an exceptional customer experience with few human markers. We questioned what a convivial luxury experience could be.
3. An adaptable bar for multiple usage needs. A custom-made bar for a headquarters or distillery does not have the same uses as a standard cocktail bar station. Although it has the same functionalities, the volumes, usage times, and goals differ. It is a bar made for communication, training, sharing, and serving, all at once, without being the usual bar found in beverage-serving establishments.
4. A coherent integration without disruption into the site's living space. The main challenge is to propose a bar design that is both an exceptional piece and naturally integrates into the décor.

We identified specific uses for this bar:
- Commercial meetings. From two to five people including the sales representative or brand ambassador, it must be able to gather everyone in a welcoming and comfortable setting for tastings and product discussions.
- Bartender master classes. It should be an open setting for master classes. The custom bar must be open and visible to make all the presenter's actions perceivable. Note that these master classes should also be considered for video recording.
- Workshop. 2 to 6 people. A time where everyone gets behind the bar to learn, replicate, and create cocktails with a strong sense of sharing.
- Event organization, from 15 to 300 people. It must be able to produce cocktails throughout the evening on one or two bartender stations.

The Swipe Bar concept.
After multiple creative searches, the Swipe Bar concept is the chosen creation for this custom bar project. An innovative bar concept that offers a playful and practical way to modulate the arrangement according to use. And if needed, to conceal it entirely or partially.

The principle is straightforward, a large basin along the entire length with different heights and a sink in the center. Then a multitude of accessories that can either fit into the basin or be placed on its rails. All accessories can slide from right to left so everyone can create their own space.

List of sliding accessories:
- Bartender worktop consisting of a basin, a cutting board, and a preparation grid section.
- Garnish set, garnish rack bins.
- Tool holder, a slide to place 2 cups for storing tools.
- Large drying grids, grids with basins for creating large preparation areas, ice cutting, or glass storage.
- Oak board with drip guard for storage or preparation.
- Pot holder for integrating aromatic or other plant pots.

List of basin accessories:
- Basin bottom grids for ice drying.
- Ice separator in comb shape. A very wide range for custom compartmentalizing ice and condiment basins.

Beneath the bar, from left to right, is a glasswasher with a dressed door, trash bin, neutral storage, two refrigerated drawers, trash bin, and glass chiller.

The counter height of 90 cm allows for comfortable work and unmatched visibility for people seated or standing in front. In a sharing space, it's the best option for gathering around the bar.

The main usage scenarios and configurations are:
- Bar OFF. No one is using the bar, the 7 copper plates are placed. Simple spirit tasting. Only the sink with glass rinsers is accessible. It allows for emptying and rinsing glasses during a tasting. If needed, an extra grid can serve as a work surface for drying glasses.
- Master class, a one-person cocktail station is prepared for the presenter. Multiple accessories allow for garnish setups, possibly plant pots, and multiple grids and work surfaces can be arranged. It can integrate bottles into the basin and multiple adjustable compartments for types of ice or dachs bottles.
- Workshop, two cocktail stations can be arranged, and preparation grids at each end allow people on either side to participate in the activity.
- Event production. Depending on the menu, bartenders can organize and utilize storage for different ice types, garnishes, up to 30 bottles in the basins, etc.

The visual integration of the bar is perfect in the space. We also contributed to the design of the back bar for cohesion and good ambiance management.

Combining expertise and exceptional craftsmanship. For the perfect execution of this custom-made bar project, the challenge is to bring together skills in specialized cocktail metalwork technique development and carpentry arrangement with extensive project management experience. To our knowledge, we are the only design office and workshop internally comprising all the necessary skills to successfully carry out this type of project. One of our lesser-known missions that we regularly undertake is to create DCEs (Design and Construction Documents) including equipment operation programming and bar area development. These skills provide us with adapted and efficient coordination of the different stakeholders.

This bar has allowed us to achieve excellence in execution to successfully integrate:
- High-quality materials and finish, implemented in France.
- Optimal bartender usage ergonomics. All cocktail station options are found in balanced calibration. Sink shaker rinser, double shaker rinser, retention basin, modular ice bin size, garnish set, drying grids, work surface, etc.
- Comfort for visitors. 90 cm work surface, 60 cm seating chairs recommended, and 30 cm overhang under the customer track for unobstructed seating at the front.
- A choice of equipment suited to real use. Cocktail station with under-counter refrigeration, glass chiller, refrigerated displays, ice machine, adapted glasswasher, etc.
- A synthesis and clear service limits between the different stakeholders of the site.
- Reduced spatial footprint. We minimized all technical reservations to offer a compact custom-made bar unit with very high production capacities.
- A controlled financial envelope for the client through relevant technical and material orientations.
- Risk prevention of use. Identified stop valve access and issued maintenance log.

We are proud and happy to have participated in this project. This centerpiece perfectly meets the demand and creates its effect on every visitor. This custom-made bar resolved several constraints, the first being technical; we managed to create a compact bar by exploiting every corner and finding innovative solutions for the technical requirements. The second was functional; the Swipe Bar solution addressed the various uses of such a place. The third was visual; perfect integration. The bar knows how to blend in when not in use and puts on a show during events.