Architecture News Plus (ANP) – Architecture and Design Magazine

Lake Chalet

This is a project by CCS Architecture and it is located at Oakland, CA, United States. There are sixteen images for Lake Chalet.

: © Paul Dyer

Project images

Designer's statement

The City of Oakland, California, in 2002 overwhelmingly approved a bond measure to improve Lake Merritt, the city's historic urban lake. The initiative included restoring the municipal boathouse (a historic landmark), expanding the surrounding park space, and improving both bicycle and pedestrian access to the once run-down lake. After the structure underwent a complete, Silver LEED restoration, CCS Architecture transformed the Mediterranean Revival style building into Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill, a day and night time destination that has brought a surge of new energy to Lake Merritt. With 325 indoor and 100 outdoor seats, the restaurant visually and physically embraces the waterside setting, with its walking and jogging path, gondola rides and "necklace of lights" dating to 1925. New architectural elements, materials and colors pay homage to the lake and the long history of boating at the site.

On warm evenings, Lake Chalet's dock patio is packed with patrons enjoying cocktails with views of the lake and setting sun reflecting off the East Bay hills. The dock contains a bar, lounge seating, an outdoor kitchen, and dining tables. Red umbrellas, striped awnings, and brightly colored fabrics create a festive ambiance. The Venetian Gondolier Servicio, a vendor who offers gondola rides on the lake, docks right at Lake Chalet's pier.

The Pump House Bar occupies the loggia overlooking the dock and enjoys panoramic views of the lake. Its 80-foot-long bar is sensuously curved like the bow of a boat. At the bar's center point, aligned with the restaurant entry, is an abundant raw bar. Back-lit, deep red metal panels form the bar's base, and the top is made of white Cararra marble. Glowing, spherical light fixtures and chromed ceiling fans shaped like boat propellers contribute to the classic, modern design. The bar extends at one end to become a community table.

A casual dining area adjoins the Pump House Bar; the focal point here is the new, semi-open kitchen that CCS inserted into the historic structure. Inspired by boat-building methods, the kitchen's lacquered blue walls are shaped like the hull of a boat. An expressed structure of vertical mahogany ribs alternately reveals and obscures views of the cooking action. Openings are glazed with semi-transparent amber glass that suggests fishermen’s net floats. The kitchen is a striking new piece of architecture within the expansive, historic building.

Two dining rooms occupy the adjoining wings that seem to hover above the lake; they are built atop open-air boat storage that is used by the gondolier and the Lake Merritt Boating Club. Dubbed the Lake Room and the Gondola Room, the building wings have large windows on three sides that provide dramatic views as well as natural ventilation. New mahogany ceilings and restored mahogany windows complement the original metal truss ceilings. The Lake Room is a romantic, upscale dining room with movable, freestanding banquettes, amber glass orbs, its own bar and an elevated wine bottle display. The Gondola Room is a special event space for 100 people, outfitted with hardwood floors, audiovisual capabilities and an adjacent catering kitchen. Its private balcony has sliding mahogany doors that open completely to the lake and dock below.

Lake Chalet is more than a stunning place to enjoy the scenery in downtown Oakland. The project has transformed not only the building but the lake for the public's enjoyment. CCS's design creates variety, style and intimacy while connecting guests to the experience of the place.