Description:

The Loft Bar is a purposefully reimagined sports hospitality venue located in the heart of Christchurch Central. Creating a contemporary space where the celebration of sport intersects with style, inclusivity, and intentional spatial design. Our approach set out to challenge the conventions of the traditional sports bar, reframing it as a modern, elevated environment.

The core design inspiration for The Loft Bar came from the idea of sport as a shared cultural ritual—dynamic, collective, and emotionally charged. We explored how this energy could be translated into spatial language and materiality without falling back on masculine clichés or visual clutter. Each layered design element was chosen to bring texture, character, and a sense of relaxed sophistication to the experience.

Drawing from the architectural language of New York-style loft hospitality spaces, this direction informed both the spatial design and The Loft Bar’s brand identity. The material palette is confident yet warm, exposed structural elements are softened with textural upholstery, layered lighting, and thoughtful detailing. We wanted to celebrate iconic sporting moments while avoiding predictability. Sporting references and artwork are subtly integrated throughout, appearing in joinery, lighting, signage, and art, rather than presented as overt memorabilia. This approach adds a sense of nostalgia and broad cultural connection, helping shape The Loft’s identity as an inclusive, design-forward interpretation of a sports bar.

The spatial planning strategy focused on flow and flexibility. Supporting seamless staff operations while focusing on a welcoming guest experience. A variety of zones were created to suit different times of day and styles of socialising, from relaxed afternoon catch-ups to high-energy game nights. Layered zones of engagement include the open ‘sports hall’ as a key social and viewing area, banquette seating for groups, and tucked-away corner booths for a more intimate feel. A raised dining zone ‘The Loft’ a vantage point, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere without needing to be fully immersed in the screen experience.

Throughout the design process, we worked closely with skilled craftspeople to strike a balance between vintage charm and contemporary sophistication. From custom furniture and joinery to a carefully curated mix of lighting, every element was considered. A highlight of this collaboration was the oversized vintage tennis racquet chandelier—a playful, handcrafted statement piece that captures the spirit of the venue. Hand-painted, textured wall finishes by a specialist artist add further depth.

Material selections were made for durability, richness, and sensory appeal: honey-toned timber floors, velvet and leather upholstery, backlit marble surfaces, and brass accents combine to create a tactile, inviting atmosphere. Lighting plays a key role throughout—natural daylight filters through skylights and sheer glazing by day, shifting to warm, ambient tones by night. Feature pendants and concealed LED lighting help sculpt the space, enhancing both mood and comfort.

The Loft Bar stands as a new model for sports-led hospitality. Keeping the emphasis on sophistication and brand alignment. An inclusive, design-led venue where style, culture, and sport come together with purpose.