Nestled within the luxury retail environment of Hong Kong’s IFC Mall, The Whisky Library redefines the kiosk typology through a compact yet highly crafted showcase for premium whisky appreciation. Despite its modest footprint, the design incorporates refined material detailing and mechanical ingenuity, featuring a rotating bar counter system that enables flexible service modes and enhanced customer interaction.
The space combines polished microcement finishes, walnut veneer cabinetry, and custom backlit shelving to create a minimalist, gallery-like ambience. A digital art display anchors the back wall, infusing the space with colour and motion while celebrating the artistry behind whisky making.
Executed under tight spatial and budgetary constraints, the project exemplifies how precision, craftsmanship, and creative collaboration — notably with Collective Studio — can turn a small kiosk into a signature experience of understated luxury.
Project details
Construction Duration
~2.5 months
Location
IFC Mall, Hong Kong.
Signature materials
Walnut Veneer:
Adds warmth and natural texture, bringing balance to the minimalist concrete tone.Microcement Wall Finish:
Smooth and refined surface with hand-applied texture, creating a calm, modern background.LED Glass Shelves:
Floating glass shelves with warm backlighting to highlight each whisky bottle like an exhibit.Rotating Bar Counter:
A custom-built counter that can rotate for display or serving — compact yet dynamic in function.Digital Art Display:
A colorful screen feature that brings motion and energy to the small space.Halo-Lit Signage:
Subtle glowing “THE WHISKY LIBRARY” logo that marks the space with elegant simplicity.
Area
100 sqft.
Year
2023
CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT
“A miniature bar of precision and poise.”
The Whisky Library was conceived as a micro–architecture for connoisseurship — a spatial statement that compresses the essence of a whisky lounge into a 100 sqft kiosk. The intent was to create an elegant and interactive showcase that celebrates the craft of whisky while standing as a sculptural object within the premium retail corridor of IFC Mall. Every inch of space was treated as part of a curated display, balancing intimacy, luxury, and mechanical ingenuity.
SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC
The compact footprint demanded surgical precision in spatial planning. The design features a dual-function rotating bar counter, enabling a seamless transition between display mode and tasting mode. Vertical layering of illuminated shelving amplifies the sense of depth, while a recessed side niche adds spatial rhythm and visual hierarchy. Despite its scale, circulation remains fluid, with clear sightlines from all public angles — an open invitation to explore the collection.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
A refined palette anchors the visual identity: walnut veneer for warmth, polished microcement for a soft tactile contrast, and integrated LED backlighting for accentuation.
The interplay between wood grain and mineral texture evokes the duality of craft and modernity — mirroring whisky’s own blend of heritage and innovation. Detailing is discreet yet deliberate, with concealed hinges, flush junctions, and seamless edge transitions enhancing the bar’s sculptural presence.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION & EXECUTION
Beyond its aesthetic refinement, the project exemplifies technical problem-solving within constraints. The motorized rotation system, engineered for quiet precision, enables dynamic transformation without visible mechanics. This bespoke feature required cross-disciplinary coordination among carpenters, electrical specialists, and mechanical specialists, ensuring seamless motion and long-term reliability. The entire installation was prefabricated off-site, then assembled in situ under strict mall regulations and limited working hours, reflecting exceptional executional discipline.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
Realized in partnership with Collective Studio, the project embodies a synergy of design vision and construction craftsmanship. While Collective Studio led the conceptual design, EnochDeco oversaw construction detailing, fabrication, and site coordination, ensuring that the spatial poetry translated seamlessly into a built form.
The result is an iconic “miniature bar of modern luxury” — compact yet monumental in presence, embodying the timeless refinement of whisky culture and the precision of contemporary design.
THE WHISKY LIBRARY
IFC MALL
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