A unique fusion of socialist-modernist history and contemporary design is on display at Bar Ton, a newly opened listening bar located on the ground floor of a communist-era apartment building in Bucharest. Created by local designers Anda Zota and Muromuro Studio, the bar celebrates the legacy of its mid-century modernist structure while prioritising acoustic quality and a communal music experience.
Blending History with Modern Functionality
Previously functioning as a music shop, the venue has been reimagined into a hi-fi bar. Designers Zota and Muromuro Studio sought to preserve the essence of the building, which stands as a significant example of Romanian socialist-modernist architecture.
“We wanted to pay homage to the building itself,” Muromuro Studio explained. “It was the first socialist-modernist building from the communist era that originated in Bucharest and not Moscow, so when it was built, it was a landmark of Romanian modernism. We tried to keep as much of the building structurally intact as possible – we kept the flooring and the pillars, plus you have the original facade and finishings.”
Minimalist Aesthetics and Materiality
The interior design is characterised by a juxtaposition of raw, textured materials like concrete walls and marble mosaic floors, alongside refined finishes, such as a polished stainless steel bar and birch plywood accents. The result is a minimalist and utilitarian aesthetic that radiates warmth and simplicity.
A standout feature is the mechanical glass facade, a dynamic installation that opens the bar to the street, inviting interaction with the neighbourhood. “It became the ‘living facade’ because whenever you pass by, you see people sitting on the bench and moving around – it’s the first layer of curiosity and makes you want to see what’s inside,” Zota shared.
Centralising the Music Experience
At the heart of the design is the music program, symbolically and physically placed at the centre of the space. Four structural concrete pillars were creatively adapted: two were coated with polyurethane and host the DJ booth, while the other two were clad in oiled birch plywood, complete with display pockets for vinyl records. A concrete ventilation shaft was repurposed into a seating bench.
Muromuro Studio stated, “The point was to create a space that offers a communal listening experience. This resulted in us putting the music booth right at the centre of the space – so that people are around the point of interest.”
Adaptive Lighting and Acoustic Innovation
Lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the bar’s ambiance. Designed in collaboration with Romanian brand Greentek Lighting, the adaptive system transitions between day and night settings, enhancing the mood. A custom orange-hued lamp highlights the central music booth at night.
Additionally, the designers implemented 37 cubic metres of sound insulation and a concealed “room-within-a-room” using acoustic wooden panelling. Large beige drapes discreetly cover these acoustic features, ensuring both privacy and high sound quality.
An Invitation to Discover
Bar Ton is more than a listening bar; it’s an homage to Bucharest’s architectural and cultural history. Its innovative design combines historical preservation with contemporary hospitality, creating a haven for music enthusiasts and a unique social experience.