A journey underground: The Nightcar Lounge Bar

Hidden beneath the vibrant streets of downtown Auckland, The Nightcar Lounge Bar is a stylish retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Drawing inspiration from vintage train carriages and urban subway platforms, this award-winning venue fuses raw industrial elements with refined elegance. Designed by CTRL Space, the design features atmospheric lighting, plush textures, and deep, sultry hues, crafting a serene and sophisticated hideaway.

Sam Griffin, Creative Director at CTRL Space, shares the inspiration behind the design: “We envisioned a space that wouldn’t feel out of place in the heart of somewhere like Hong Kong. The name ‘The Nightcar’ set the tone, guiding us through themes of travel, intimacy, and luxury.” The final concept blends the opulence of classic train carriages with the raw, urban edge of underground subway stations.

Gibbon_Architectural_MODULYSS_CTRL_Space_The_Night_Car_Carpet_Tile_Jono_Parker (2).jpg — *The Nightcar | Cambridge& 316, 822 | Gleam 346, 866*

When it came to flooring, CTRL Space sought a solution that offered comfort, sound absorption, and practicality for a hospitality setting. “Carpet was essential to achieve the desired ambience within a concrete building shell,” explains Griffin.

They chose high-quality carpet tile collections that struck the perfect balance between visual appeal, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance. By combining tiles of varying pile heights, they created a subtle checkerboard effect.

“The pairing gave a nostalgic cut-pile feel with a distinctive underfoot texture,” Griffin adds.

The Nightcar Lounge Bar stands as a compelling example of how intentional design and thoughtful material choices can elevate a space into a truly memorable destination.

Gibbon_Architectural_MODULYSS_CTRL_Space_The_Night_Car_Carpet_Tile_Jono_Parker (3).jpg — *The Nightcar | Cambridge& 316, 822 | Gleam 346, 866*

Project details

Project: The Nightcar

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Architect: CTRL Space

Product: Carpet Tiles

Size: 107m²

Colours: Cambridge& 316, 822 | Gleam 346, 866

Original article from modulyss.

Main image: The Nightcar | Cambridge& 316, 822 | Gleam 346, 866

Architecture & Design Team

Gibbon Architectural

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