Inside 2046 Bar, a Moody, Mysterious Whiskey & Cocktail Bar by Horizontal Studio

Designed by Horizontal Studio, the intimate space is an homage to craft, material and light

After Taiwan’s Horizontal Studio designed their new home, the client was so pleased they asked the studio to work on their new bar as well. ‘They trusted us to bring the same thoughtful design approach to their F&B venture,’ says designer Saoyi Chien of the project, whiskey and cocktail bar 2046 in Taipei’s Zhongshan District. ‘They wanted a bar that felt intimate, sophisticated and rich with atmosphere, somewhere guests could escape the city’s pace. They emphasised the importance of texture, lighting and materiality.’

The premises, a rare ground-floor space with high ceilings, made for a promising start. The focus for the design team then became ‘aged elegance and refined mystery’, says Chien. ‘We incorporated elements like arched openings and a thin iron doorframe with curves reminiscent of traditional tiled rooftops, reinterpreted through a modern lens.’

These arched openings frame the space, their surfaces intentionally aged and weathered.  The central bar is an immediate focal point, wrapped in rich, dark gold marble in front of a curved metal-coated wall and below a curved iron-panelled doorframe and golden-hued walls.

Materiality was, clearly, key to the scheme: the coated wall and marble countertop were designed to echo the warmth and richness of well-aged whiskey and barrels, in turn reinforcing the concept of time-honoured craft. ‘We also paid close attention to the relationship between privacy and visibility. The use of metal-mesh window screens allows light and shadow to interact dynamically, creating a balance between openness and seclusion,’ she adds. For the designer, the arched doorways are a standout, as is the way the lighting and texture work together. ‘I love how the soft lighting reflects off the patina-rich archways and textured walls — it highlights the natural imperfections and makes the space feel full of history and depth.’

Located near Songshan Airport, the area is known for its dynamic energy and mix of local culture and international influences, says Chien. ‘The proximity to both bustling commercial streets and quieter residential areas creates a unique contrast, making it an ideal spot for an intimate yet cosmopolitan bar experience.’

Text by Philip Annetta
Images by Moooten Studio and Suiyu Studio