Dezeen Magazine

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

Bad Lab Beer Co brewery in New Hampshire features steely interiors by Richard Lindvall

Contemporary, greyscale interiors complement the stainless-steel equipment at this brewery in New Hampshire, by Swedish firm Studio Richard Lindvall.

Bad Lab Beer Co brews and serves 16 draft beers on its site in Somersworth, an hour's drive north of Boston.

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

Housed within an existing industrial building, the brewery features concrete floors, exposed ducts and large windows with black steel frames – all of which are highlighted by the pared-back interiors.

Based in Stockholm, Richard Lindvall led the design and drew influences from the architecture. "I wanted to build around the original details, only adding a few other materials to accentuate and compliment the simple and industrial feeling of the space," he said.

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

The layout includes a spacious dining room with ample natural light, and an open kitchen. Various high-top counters offer places to drink, with brewing facilities and restrooms located in the rear.

Stainless steel kitchen fittings match the brewery tanks, revealed by a glass wall in the dining area.

"My client wanted to create a restaurant and bar that would be a unique community gathering space where guests can interact with the bar and kitchen," Lindvall said.

To separate the main dining area from a beer tasting space near the core of the property, Lindvall installed a 33-foot-long (10-metre) concrete counter, cast in-situ. One side incorporates a bench for dining, with storage on the other.

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

Light grey engineered wood covers the cabinets and tabletops to create a monochrome effect overall.

Black steel also features prominently: on window panes, three large industrial fans, chairs and table stands.

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

Bar stools and dining chairs are from Swedish company Massproductions, while a cylindrical pendant lamp was sourced from New York company Roll & Hill.

To add colour and warmth, Lindvall selected dark brown leather for a built-in bench, as well as natural decorative objects like tree branches. Sunlight also softens the brewery with its warm glow.

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall

"When the sun comes through the windows and reflects on the kitchen it makes the steel warm and throughout the day it gives different effects depending on how light travels," he said.

Lindvall has designed several other eateries, including a pale restaurant housed in a former sausage factory, and a greyscale bar with copper accents – both in Stockholm.

Photography is by Johan Annerfelt.

More images and plans

Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall
Floor plan
Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall
Bad Lab Beer Co by Studio Richard Lindvall