LITTLE BROWN JUG PATIO
A brewery patio in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District with a passion for community.
PHOTOGRAPHY Nowaday Studio
We have partnered with Little Brown Jug since it’s conception, and this project is the 5th project we have worked on with LBJ owner, Kevin Selch. It was important that this project design embodied the community engaging vision of the company, with their personality expressed throughout.
What started as a general patio concept became an upper and lower level urban oasis and intervention. At its heart, this space is a response to covid. After being in isolation and separated from community for so long, we designed this space to encourage connection. While the seats are back to back, the design is meant to encourage people to lean over and get to know their neighbours. This flexible space is used to accommodate community led events and, at its core, is about bringing community together.
Winnipeg company Design Built constructed the custom surround seating with exterior grade MDF. We also used solid surface countertops and incorporated slat details into the seating with an angled design to provide lumbar support. Additional lounge seating with Adirondack chairs and custom Indigenous material, Tyndall stone, was incorporated into this commercial design.
The personality of the LBJ brand and the community shines through in every aspect of this design project. We went for a Miami/Palm Springs vibe through the use of blush pinks, teal, greens and repetition of green from the existing mural on the building, as well as through the addition of vines and mosses. Layers of moss and plants add a softening to the space.
Adding shipping containers to the space set a precedent as the first patio to legitimately do so in the city. One container is used for storage and the other for bands, or a second bar if needed. The patio includes two decks, as well as two teal green sails overhead, which offer softer shade than umbrellas and provide a cooling effect to the entire space.
Little Brown Jug is all about bringing in the Exchange District and Winnipeg community. At its heart, this patio was designed to do just that. Chances are you’ll catch a Design Shop designer or two enjoying the space when you visit - we are passionate about our community and the success of our commercial design projects.