Cholon Lakehouse

Cholon Lakehouse

Location
Denver, CO USA
Year
2024
Photos
Fernando Gomes
Client
Cholon Restaurant Concepts
Project Size
3,800 sq. ft.
Project Team
Principal in Charge
Adam Steinbach
Project Architect
Eliane Kelley
General Contractor
Novum Contracting Group
Millwork and Steelwork
LVTD Design
Engineering Team
MEC Engineering, D Keller Electrical Design

The design of the Cholon Lakehouse embodies the theme of "harmony in disruption," a concept that juxtaposes movement, tradition, and balance to create an atmosphere that is both captivating and cohesive. Central to this theme is a prominent 20-foot feature wall that emulates the motion of a boat gliding through water, visually disrupting a single plane to capture a frozen, memory-like moment.

This symbolic structure, surrounded largely by glass, becomes a beacon visible from outside, representing movement and flow within the space. Notably, this location introduces a second-story mezzanine, marking it as the only Cholon location with this feature. Ascending to the mezzanine is designed to be an experience in itself, with a vertical slat railing that conceals and reveals patrons as they move, adding to the space’s dynamic energy.

Natural light plays a fundamental role in the Cholon Lakehouse design, with expansive north-facing windows that invite the surrounding environment into the dining experience. The mezzanine seating offers views of the lake and trees, blending industrial interiors with natural elements to create a sense of serenity and connection with the outdoors.

A defining feature of this space is the prominent bar, crafted with an aged brass bartop and serving as the focal point around the central stairwell. Unlike the more polished aesthetic of the downtown location, this bar exudes a raw elegance, with concrete floors and structural elements juxtaposed against tall glass windows. Light wood accents and plush upholstery offset the robustness of the bar and concrete flooring, striking a balance between rugged and refined elements. This design choice enhances spatial flow and connectivity, encouraging patrons to engage with both the space and each other while taking in the scenic views of Sloan's Lake.

Cholon Lakehouse continues the thematic evolution seen across all Cholon restaurants, where each location captures a distinct identity while maintaining cohesive elements. Consistent materials, such as dark walnut wood furniture, connect the Lakehouse with its sister restaurants. The theme of suspended movement, first introduced in the Downtown location's floating “net” feature, is echoed here with angled vertical wooden elements on the wall, evoking waves or the wake of a passing boat.

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