24 May 2012

Loof by Takenouchi Webb

Singapore’s first standalone rooftop bar has been completely transformed with playful reference to local culture.

Loof has emerged after a few months of renovations, and bedraggled office workers and creative types who head there with great regularity for the sassy cocktails and relaxed vibe may be pleased to hear that the rooftop bar continues to retain its cheeky, laidback character, but now comes with extra local flavour.

For Loof's first renovation since its opening in 2005, The Lo & Behold Group (which owns the bar) enlisted the help of Takenouchi Webb, a natural choice considering that the design studio has already worked on several of the Group's F&B destinations, including The White Rabbit, OverEasy and Tanjong Beach Club, just to name a few.

Loof

The strong colour selection adds playfulness to the scheme

"The starting point for the design was taking the idea of a rooftop garden, [and] bringing more landscaped elements into the space," says Takenouchi Webb studio.

The designers have taken Loofʼs roof tile pattern as an inspired motif, and repeated them on the walls and screens.

The tree planters have been retained, but the former circular seating arrangement has been replaced with new seating options, which the studio explains, helps to "open up the space". Now, a long banquette seat sits opposite a polished patterned green marble bar, colourful outdoor rattan chairs are paired with raw timber tables, and a timber ledge and high seating have been added to the perimeter of the roof, facing Raffles Hotel. The air-conditioned lounge space, raised behind the bar and visible through the glass bottle displays, has also been kept.

Loof

Bamboo-printed lounge seats for local flavour

Apart from local references through the choice of furniture, a bright red Mama Shop (Singapore's precursor to the modern day convenience store) invites customers to take a trip down nostalgia lane. "We liked the idea of transplanting this Singaporean icon into an unlikely location," says the studio.

Loof

The traffic-stopping red Mama Shop is a new addition to Loof

Takenouchi Webb has designed the shop to be as simple as possible, using corrugated metal sheet. Packed to the gills with knick-knacks and treats from yesteryear – which customers can purchase – the Mama Shop also serves as the bar's reception counter, and is the first thing to greet guest as they enter.

But what about the all-important drinks and entertainment? Expect Southeast Asian inspired cocktails and bar food with a local twist. Loof's resident DJs will also be there to provide a weekly dose of ear candy every Thursday.

Takenouchi Webb
takenouchiwebb.com

Takenouchi Webb

Address:	17 Woking Road, #03-05 Tangier, Singapore 138696
Phone:	+65 6475 4005
Email:	info@takenouchiwebb.com
Website:	takenouchiwebb.com
Takenouchi Webb is an integrated design firm that develops architectural and interior environments specialising in restaurant, retail, hotel and bar projects. The studio believes in a holistic approach to design, developing the architecture, interior and furniture for each project.