Details, Details, Details
When BASILE was called in to re-envision The Nolen, Downtown San Diego’s popular rooftop bar, the team decided to create a more intimate experience where guests could gather and converse in a cozy environment filled with greenery, fire features and inviting nooks. By re-orienting the seating from exterior facing to looking inward, it shifted into a more communal, human-centric space where the city views became more of a backdrop to great conversation and libations versus a focal point. The overall design aesthetic is BASILE’s take on mid-century with art deco flair. Remodel details included a 12.5 foot quartzite bar table with brass plummet detail inlaid and “flowering” steel bases with wood trim.
The drink rails feature simple inlay and bases that flow seamlessly as extensions of the bar table. The steel and tambour U-shaped booths have planters on top acting as transitions between the spaces. The booth components mimic the bar table and drink rails as well. The existing fire pit underwent a complete makeover featuring a new eight foot diameter quartzite top with brass and soap stone inlays whose design represents a compass inspired by the Foucault Pendulum. All tables have an overlapping flat bar design and quartzite tops with similar “flowering” bases. The dining and lounge banquettes curve around the perimeter and their low backs allow for uninterrupted views of the city.
The refresh on this rooftop scene has transformed The Nolen into a much more approachable and informal gathering spot framed by great views. This project was more of an unusual project considering we were only going to be replacing the furniture on the patio, we typically always start with a clean slate. To say we had a clear direction would be misleading, we love designing furniture and this design entailed something that was incredibly strong, but movable and capable of withstanding the rooftop weather. With that said, we chose our pallet of finishes that consisted of steel, leather, outdoor fabric, stone and brass as the main accent. Our goal was to play with curves and implement furniture that quickly and easily unlocked/locked together, due to the davits that circled the patio walls.