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Little Brown Jug Brewing Co. Patio
By : The Design Shop Inc.
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Accommodation, Restaurant & Bar / Bar, Lounge & Nightclub : Bronze Certification
Design Shop has partnered with Little Brown Jug since it’s conception, and this project is the 5th project we have worked on with LBJ’s owner, Kevin Selch. It was important that this design embodied the company’s vision of community engagement, as well as to infuse their personality throughout.
What started as a fairly straightforward patio concept quickly evolved into an urban oasis with upper and lower level interventions. At its heart, this space is a response to Covid-19. After being in isolation and separated from community for so long, this space was designed to encourage connection. While booth seats are back-to-back, the design is intended to encourage impromptu connections and getting to know your seat-neighbours by leaning over the banquettes. When not in use for its day-to-day function as outdoor seating for the brewery, this flexible space is used to accommodate community led events (such as themed dance nights, live music, trivia, art nights, and more), and at its core, is about bringing community together.
In collaboration with Design Shop, Winnipeg company Design Built constructed the custom surround seating with exterior grade MDF. Slat detailing and an angled design promoting lumbar support were incorporated into the custom seating, complete with solid surface tables and exterior-grade cushions to suit the application, all of which were custom. The lower level was complete with additional lounge seating in the form of Adirondack chairs and bespoke low tables using local vernacular material— Tyndall stone.
The personality of the Little Brown Jug brand and its community shines through in every aspect of this project. Inspired by the inviting atmospheric vibes of Miami and Palm Springs, the blush pinks and rich teals create a space that is vibrant without feeling overpowering, while greens repeated from a mural on the existing building and layers of plants, vines, and moss soften the space and create a refuge from the harsh summer sun.
The use of shipping containers was also a key design directive, as it set a precedent for the city as the first patio to make use of them to an extent that exceeded mere functionality and storage. One container is used for storage, while the other opens up to host bands or act as a secondary outdoor bar when needed. These shipping containers also form the upper floor of the patio, including two decks, and act as an anchor and mount for the large teal-green sails overhead, offering softer shade than umbrellas and providing a cooling, wind-protectant effect to the entire space.
Located in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, Little Brown Jug has always been all about enhancing culture and bringing in the local community. As an extension of their brewery, the patio was designed with this ethos at its heart. If you ever find yourself in Winnipeg in the warmer months, stop by Little Brown Jug! Chances are you’ll catch a Design Shop designer (or two) enjoying the patio— we are passionate about our community and the success of the businesses we work with!
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