Cat and Mouse

The ‘Cat and Mouse’ Beer-bar and Concept store is the newest creative space in the heart of ‘Kapana’ (literally means ‘The Trap’) - the brand new creative quarter in the city of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) in the place where a century ago the old craftsmen-district was. The place is located in the 100-years old 3-storey house, one of the many in this part, which are characterized by small front and minimal floor size. The gross area is just 20 sq m per floor and the bar is located only on the first ground level.

The client required for a simple beer-store, but studio 8 ½ went beyond and created a place for degustation of the hundreds of Belgium beers, as well as a place to meet and chat with other beerlovers in a simple and cozy home-environment. At the same time the bar works as a show room of local’s craftsman design furniture where everyone can explore different materials and experience unforgettable design experience.

The most common materials in the interior that underline the cozy feeling are plywood and natural wood. At the same time they are in contrast with the non-painted steel/metal elements, black walls and ceiling, as well as exposed old brick-wall, part of the original construction of the building. Special emphasis is put on steel as an industrial material - it can be seen in the ‘invisible’ parapet made of metal wires, the copper tubes running along the walls and the real traps used as an accent on the lamps hanging over the bar, etc.

The concept and design of the interior are created by studio 8 ½, well known for the usage of natural elements – all the materials are shown in their own natural beauty, without covering or hiding the original surfaces and finishing. All the lighting and furniture, except the bar stools and chairs are design and produced by studio 8 ½, Interesting moment is that in this project the architect became graphic designers as well, designing the logo of the bar as well.

Neither the minimal gross floor-size, the small budget are barrier, but contrary - an opportunity for the studio to show its own philosophy about the interior and product design. The whole project is created to show one contemporary vision about new places in old districts of craftsmen and to develop one modern space in the historical center of the 8 000 years old and still living city of Plovdiv, a place that could fit in each contemporary looking city around the world. A place that is open to the future of the busy daily round of the big cities– by its simplicity and coziness.

studio 8 ½