This 2,100-square-foot design of a new taproom for beloved Seattle brewer Holy Mountain Brewing is a physical expression of the brand’s aesthetic and values. Located in the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood, the taproom emphasizes transparency and connectivity, visually and physically reaching out to and welcoming its neighboring businesses, and to the streetscape and wider community beyond.
Orienting the space towards the glazed east façade fronting a major neighborhood thoroughfare allows the taproom’s brand identity to show through to the street, beckoning guests inside. A feature wall backing the main bar consists of ceramic tiles custom designed to mimic Holy Mountain’s triangular logo, each handmade and screenprinted by Portland-based Tempest Tileworks. Dynamic murals by Holy Mountain’s in-house artist and graphic designer Ryan Williams animate the space with a backdrop of simple yet intricate line drawings that echo the aesthetic of Holy Mountain’s branding.
Throughout, a welcoming sense of warmth underlies the brewery’s inviting, community-oriented atmosphere. Built-in banquette seating is constructed of light maple wood, helping define circulation in the space and bring warmth. Two large communal tables anchor the space, constructed of reclaimed cedar slabs from teh Hamma Hamma River Valley inset with epoxy cured flies and oyster shells (the brewery’s owner and head brewer is an avid fly angler). Pendant lights from Mexico City-based designer David Pompa lend a handmade quality to the space. A dark soffit continues the emphasis on simple lines found in the brand logo and continued via dark edgebanding on the counters and bar tops.