Zrodlo Bar / Wiercinski-Studio

Architects: Wiercinski-Studio
Area: 50 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Przemyslaw Turlej
City: Poznań
Country: Poland

Zrodlo Bar, a whiskey bar designed by Wiercinski-Studio in Poznań, has transformed a neglected basement into a custom-designed space. Completed in 2015, the design preserves the original brick walls and floors, while three steel structures support seating and lighting, highlighting the bar’s unique character. Custom furniture, radiator covers, and a distinctive mirror carefully integrate new elements with the existing structure. The exterior complements this aesthetic with individually designed garden elements and grilles.

Located in the basement of a tenement house on Taczaka Street, one of Poznań’s most popular areas for restaurant and cafes, Zrodlo Bar is a new addition to the vibrant local scene. The bar’s thoughtful design and prime location make it a notable destination for whiskey enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The space had been vacant for several years and was in poor conditions. After cleaning, the original brick walls and wooden-brick floors were revealed. The main goal was to preserve the space’s original look while introducing a new, independent structure. Together with the investor, each interior element, including lighting and furniture, was custom-designed to minimize the use of ready-made products.

Three steel structure were installed inside the bar, containing seating and lighting elements. Except for the surface-mounted electrical installation, no components were attached to the original walls. Subtle graphite colors with orange accents were chosen to complement the existing materials and brickwork.

The first steel structure, located opposite the main entrance, forms the bar. Made from steel profiles, nets, rusted metal, and raw MDF, it provides ample storage for alcohol and bar equipment, despite the small space.

On the right side of the entrance, the second steel structure holds seating and bottle storage. The seating, a roller with an eco-leather backrest, was meticulously tested for comfort. Steel flats were attached to the upper parts of this frame to support the lighting.

The largest structure is in the second room, where seats are connected by a steel “bridge” with a net and lights, highlighting the transition between rooms. The design also includes a custom mirror with a spatial structure, the only element with intense colors.

Additional features include radiator covers, one of which doubles as a hanger and the other as a table, as well as a cupboard under the sink.

The bar is furnished with custom-made stools, tables, and trestle seats.

During the summer, some parking spaces on Taczaka Street are converted into cafe gardens, and the garden design for Zrodlo Bar reflects the interior with individually designed tables and plant pots. Grilles for the doors and windows on the building’s facade feature the characteristic logo of Zrodlo Bar.