Restaurant Vinikus

The creation of the Vinikus restaurant was the first step in transforming the industrial city block in the center of Davos. The investors aimed to convert a place with a dying manufacturing character into a public cultural space. Half of the original structure was transformed for the purposes of a restaurant that features a selection of top-quality wine and cuisine. The exclusive program was formulated by one of the clients - a young wine expert Christoph Künzli. The cellar was converted into a wine storage area, and the restaurant space was newly vaulted and roofed to ensure that the height of the rooms matched the character of the new function.
The underground part is made of concrete, with adjoining walls of brick masonry. A steel truss helps support a portion of the generous window-front display. The color of the restaurant's exterior plaster corresponds with the surroundings and subtly reminds of the house's origin. The inscription above the window, designed by Lars Müller, has a majestic effect.
The interior of the restaurant is entirely clad in wood, with the authors themselves speaking of the motif of "the house's lining." The wall cladding with wooden panels transitions into parquet flooring, creating an intimate atmosphere within the interior. Enhanced by overall lighting of the space, it corresponds with the quality of the services offered. Noteworthy is the type of wood used - oak, which is typically used for making barrels.
The wine cellar with a tasting area reflects the rougher side of the operation. It is assigned visible concrete. The wine shelves were crafted by artisans from wood but, unlike the restaurant, are not finished with lacquer. In the center of the cellar stands a dominant table made of solid oak.
Although the Vinikus restaurant appeals more to guests of economic forums and million-dollar skiers, it is certainly not a disadvantage to admire it at least from the outside.