Bottles Recess
Interior Architecture | Commercial - Built

Bottles Recess

Following the design of the Bottles Congress as a venue for showcasing and selling wines and spirits, the Bottles Recess complements it by offering a space for unhurried, undisturbed enjoyment.

Though connected to the Congress by a corridor that subtly transitions between both, the Recess is distinct in purpose and atmosphere. It adopts the Congress’s aesthetic yet softens the lighting to create a secluded retreat from commercial activity.

A tribute to wine culture, the Bottles Recess is a flexible space blending exhibition, gathering, and introspection. It showcases historical pieces from the industry and the store’s parent house while accommodating wine tastings, special events, multimedia presentations, and food preparation for pairings.

The Recess unfolds in three interconnected spaces with varying intimacy levels. Upon entry from the Congress, visitors encounter a spacious area with a counter for preparing drinks and food, suitable for informal gatherings.

Next, a central zone features warm pinewood interiors with small tables, a long bench, and a tall communal table, fostering both individual and social engagement. Many elements serve dual functions—benches that double as shelves, tables that act as display stands—encouraging a deeper appreciation of the space’s craftsmanship.

The journey culminates in an intimate retreat with subtle lighting, where armchair zones and coffee tables frame a quasi-museum display of special pieces from the Parent-House and its legacy.

While naturally connected to the Congress, the Bottles Recess operates independently, separated by a concealed sliding door and accessible via a discreet street entrance hidden within a display unit, reminiscent of Prohibition-era speakeasies.

A hidden haven where time slows, distractions fade, and one can fully immerse in the finest experiences of oenology and its associated arts.

Vote for Public Choice Award

10
Studio Name

Tiago do Vale Architects

Project Location

Braga, Portugal

Year of Conclusion

2025

Lead Designer

Tiago do Vale

Design Team

Tiago do Vale, with Maria João Araújo, Paula Campos, Nil Kokulo, and Thuy Thu, Camille Martin, Eva Amor, Karolina Zuba.

Photography Credits

João Morgado

Website

http://tiagodovale.com/portfolio/bottlesrecess/

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