Czech office IO Studio offers a modern take on the traditional beer hall with this bar near Prague for beer brand Radegast (+ slideshow).

Housed inside a converted lock factory built in the late 19th century, the bar was designed by IO Studio to be the first in a potential chain of bars for Radegast.

Architect Luka Krížek from IO Studio referenced Czech culture and hospitality in his design by adding a blue and white checked pattern on the vaulted ceiling, derived from traditional Czech Cibulák porcelain.

Grey-toned oak wall panels and blue air conditioning pipes along the ceiling tie into this colour scheme, while diagonal sections of timber on the wall panels reinforce the graphic, geometric theme of the interior.

"The interior reflects craftsmanship honesty with rich symbolism and reference to the classic Czech hospitality, transformed into a contemporary architectural concept," said Krížek.

The designer focused on traditional craftsmanship and natural materials such as leather and oak for the furniture and combined these with simple, modern shapes to give the interior a more contemporary feel.

The benches and tables were designed by IO Studio, while the chairs are a customised design of a dark seat by Czech furniture brand Ton, with curves that echo that shapes of the vaulted ceiling.

Cross-shaped lights hang down above, which were designed and made by Krížek in collaboration with Czech lighting manufacturer Halla. Branded metal panels and coat racks complete the space.

Photography is by Alexander Dobrovodský.

Here's a short description from the IO Studio:

Radegast Pilsner Urquel

Graphic conception of the interior is a defining characteristic of the whole chain. The interior reflects craftsmanship honesty with rich symbolism and reference to the classic Czech hospitality transformed into a contemporary architectural concept. We were using traditional materials and old technology in order to achieve a modern environment with the cosiness of old pubs.

The interior is designed very graphic way. Benefiting from the blue color and geometric ornamentation on the walls and ceiling, which is inspired by Czech porcelain (Cibulák). It is traditionally associated with the Czech culture dining.

The blue color of this porcelain is matched with tinted light gray shade of oak wall panels. Large areas of the tiles are broken down with staggered oak baulks and irregularly oriented diagonals gives a modern and graphic impression, although the idea is ​​referring to historical reference.

Freestanding furniture is made ​​of oak wood in a warm honey color. Another defining characteristic of the interior are classic Ton chairs with additional two-tone wood processing moved to the current design. Portals, railings and handrails are made ​​of black steel accented in combination with copper.