Artifact Bar by NCDA: A Stone-Carved Cocktail Sanctuary Beneath Jardine House

Project Info

Project Name: Artifact Bar

Location: BaseHall 02, Jardine House, Hong Kong

Interior Design: NCDA

Lighting Design: Lightorigin Studio

Tucked within the subterranean levels of Jardine House in Hong Kong’s Central district, Artifact Bar presents a sensory escape crafted from stone, metal, and immersive lighting. Designed by NCDA, the project reimagines the idea of a cocktail bar as a sculptural environment that feels both ancient and forward-looking. Instead of leaning on conventional hospitality cues, the design builds an atmosphere that behaves like a contemporary grotto. It invites guests to slow down, listen, and experience mixology as a ritual shaped by materiality.

A monolithic stone portal marks the entry, setting a tone of subterranean discovery

The designers began with a small, windowless site located inside BaseHall 02. This limitation became an opportunity to craft a space that expresses depth through texture rather than daylight. Walls and ceilings are wrapped in a sequence of ribbed, quarried stone panels that give the interior a monolithic presence. Their weight and rhythm create a protective shell that feels grounded despite the bar’s compact scale. Each panel is subtly illuminated to reveal ridges and mineral variations, which gives the room a flowing sense of movement.

The curved bar counter acts as the room's glowing anchor, encouraging social connection

At the heart of the project is the curved bar counter. It is carved from solid stone and finished with a soft, polished sheen that reflects candlelike lighting across its surface. The counter forms a gentle radius that encourages visual connection between bartender and guest. This gesture strengthens the sense of craft, as every shake, pour, and garnish becomes part of the performance.

Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the mood. Rather than flooding the space, NCDA worked with Lightorigin Studio to create layers of glow and shadow. Soft uplighting grazes the stone walls, while integrated fixtures beneath the counter produce a halo effect that lifts the bar visually from the floor. Overhead, a series of concealed strips create a faint gradient that guides the eye along the ceiling’s curvature. The result is ambience that feels timeless and almost cavernous.

The central bar is framed by rhythmic, illuminated arches, directing focus to the bartender's craft

Seating is arranged to encourage intimacy without imposing rigidity. Velvet-lined banquettes sit in recessed pockets along the perimeter. Small tables create opportunities for quieter conversation, while higher stools around the main counter offer a more social vantage point. The variety of seating zones makes the bar adaptable to different rhythms, from early evening calm to weekend energy.

Sculptural, ribbed stone walls create acoustically intimate alcoves for private conversation

The color palette is intentionally restrained. Stone in warm taupe tones anchors the room, complemented by charcoal metalwork and muted upholstery. This minimal approach helps foreground the lighting and the craftsmanship of the bar itself. By removing visual distractions, the design heightens sensorial focus on drink, sound, and surface. Even the menu presentation echoes this philosophy through simple typography and textured covers that match the interior’s tactile language.

Despite its sculptural impression, the space operates efficiently. Storage is integrated into the stone massing, refrigeration and equipment are concealed within dark cabinetry, and circulation patterns allow staff to move fluidly behind the counter. These practical decisions ensure that the bar’s theatrical presence does not compromise functionality.

Circular lighting apertures mimic the effect of natural skylights within the windowless space

Artifact Bar stands as an example of how small hospitality spaces can achieve emotional depth through thoughtful detail. Its design proves that spatial richness does not depend on scale. Instead, it emerges from a careful balance of material, light, and intention. In a district known for constant motion, the bar introduces a rare pocket of stillness where time seems to slow and textures take center stage. It invites guests to experience architecture as a companion to the craft of cocktails, creating a sanctuary shaped by stone and illuminated by imagination.

PHOTO CREDIT: Common Studio