Odisea Brewing Company is a modern shed-like structure, which hosts and integrates both: A craft brewery and a bar/restaurant. The building offers the general public the opportunity to experience the process of beer making, while enjoying their delicious food and drink pairings at the restaurant. Like the contrasts in some of these pairings, OBC is located between a busy urban avenue that contrasts with the peaceful waters of Ecuador’s main river.
The program is divided in 3 main zones based on levels of privacy: The more equipment intensive area is located closest to the road. The least private area, contains a series of fluid spaces ranging from a production space with a full height, through the single height bar and onto the full height veranda next to the river. These spaces are open, fluid and transparent so visitors can experience and see through to the core of the brewery. Finally, the administrative spaces are placed on top of the bar with views to both, the river and the production area on either side.
The design commission was a challenge, as it had been initially submitted by a different designer and approved by city council in that way. We took up all the design, structural, areas and normative constraints and came up with the currently built solution.
OBC is a consolidated Brand represented by a pirate and his oceanic odyssey. Inspired by these branding, we took the pirate ship metaphor and adapted it to the design proposal. Where a strong and rough material like brick makes up for the hull and lighter materials such as metallic sheets, are used towards the top as on a quarterdeck. The Deep blue colour selected for the panels matching that of the branding as well. Furthermore, the dynamic composition of thin overhanging roofs resembles a ship’s sails. And finally, the positioning of the office spaces resembles the position of the captain at the helm, overlooking the ship’s crew and the water.
The architecture of OBC incorporates bioclimatic strategies with all spaces being naturally ventilated and illuminated. Cross ventilation running through the high spaces is refreshed by the shade casted by the generous overhanging roofs. During the rainy season, said roofs evacuate rainwater fast and effectively away from the building.
OBC constitutes the ultimate alternative in Guayaquil for an after work stop or for a novel dining experience. It has brought together a new breed of pirates to town. To on the same river that a few centuries ago saw foreign ships sailing on it.