Approach
While Sporting Club is meant to feel elevated, we wanted the space to feel inviting. We worked with materiality similar to the first Chicago, Illinois space and looked to successfully transition to a completely separate concept while tying it together with similar elements used in different ways.
Outcome
The exterior envelope, an existing brick warehouse, was expanded to fit the overall program. The existing brick skin was painted a dark color and transitions to and from a fifteen-foot-high custom glass brick wall; offering a blurred view of the activity on the interior. A band of custom fabricated vertical raw steel slats runs across the left side, reminiscent of a brise soleil, while on the right side an added stack bond brick cladding contrasts against the existing running bond. The clutch side has a more upscale quality to it. A central bar is clad in wood washed in white that extends to the wainscot on all the surrounding walls. Botanical wallpaper completes the remaining wall space while herringbone pattern dark stained wood grounds the space throughout. Finally, various antique decorative lighting and framed televisions throughout add a vintage vibe to the space. Separated by a factory-style storefront, the space transitions to the Sporting Club side. Materiality shifts to a more visually geometric palette. Dual-toned patterned tile flooring is overlaid with various vintage- style seating and gaming tables arranged around the main interior bar. Above, the ceiling continues the white wood from the previous space as a horizontal cladding and skylights open up to planters wit hanging green vegetation. An open-air patio is shaded by a large spanning angled canopy, clad in warm stained wood and finished with large, custom drum pendant lighting. The exterior is a continuation of the interior Sporting Club aesthetic, with vintage furniture and assorted gaming tables. Towards the rear end of the space the geometric grid of white tile-clad soffit steps back to the exterior bar and game room, playfully outlined with neon lighting. The floor carefully transitions from the interior tile to the exterior stained concrete, creating a clear interior and exterior delineation. As an overall concept, The Sporting Club feels like a carefully crafted clubhouse. A take on the thrifted aesthetic, refined and elevated to create a venue that is comfortable and warm while still maintaining a playful atmosphere fit for a hangout at any time of day.
