Located on a classic street connecting the port with the old Fish Market of San Sebastian, the name of the bar, Txalupa, references the traditional small and colourful wooden boats still docking in the port. The name became an opportunity to talk about the essence of this neighbourhood, inseparable from the sea.

The design of the “pintxos”(tapas) bar on the street level finds inspiration in the port, with its deep calm waters of dark turquoise tones. These hues are used as a background for the bar to stand out, with a clear reference to the traditional “txalupas” of strong bright colours. The handmade ceramic tiles of intense blue and subtle imperfections, specifically designed for the project, give an aquatic feeling. As a colour counterpoint, light and warm ropes, a traditional material in the fishing world, provide some privacy and cosiness to sitting areas.

In the lower floor, we needed to create an antagonistic space: a small private club, with a nocturnal and sophisticated atmosphere, were selected snacks and cocktails are offered. Our design finds inspiration in an old boat cellar, where the warm golden wood-tone envelops us, in contrast to the blue maritime floor.

The connecting stairway between the two spaces becomes one of the main protagonists of the project. A narrow and mysterious tunnel tinted with red light helps us attract, thanks to its symbolism, customers in search of a more nocturnal and forbidden experience...