---
title: "Lair Gurgaon: Modern Speakeasy Design Narrative by RENESA"
description: "Explore the brutalist architecture of Lair Gurgaon. Our speakeasy design blends raw black concrete and reflective steel to create an immersive, mysterious narrative."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/renesa.architects/experiential-spatial-branding/lair-a-speakeasy-s-secret-narrative
last_updated: 2025-09-25
---

# Lair: A Modern Speakeasy Architecture Narrative

Tribe Verified · Architectural design for NCR's hospitality sector.

By [Renesa](https://mytribe.in/renesa.architects) · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi · ₹750 Per Sq Ft (estimate)

Part of [Experiential & Spatial Branding](https://mytribe.in/renesa.architects/experiential-spatial-branding). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/renesa.architects/experiential-spatial-branding/gallery)

A study in concealment and discovery, where black concrete and reflective steel craft a spatial journey of mystery.

## Photos and videos

- ![The entrance to Lair, where the brand's name glows against a monolithic black facade and a wall of glass bricks. This is the first clue in a narrative of concealment, hinting at the world that lies behind.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75f04a0a-d157-4fa4-a69a-8a97edd6aabb)
- ![A frontal view of the entrance, designed to be both imposing and intriguing. The minimal branding and stark materials set the stage for the speakeasy experience, where entry is a privilege.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d50290c-fc6a-4563-9d91-c3a6659f1e0b)
- [Video: A video pan of the main bar area, revealing the interplay of dark textures and low light. The space is a symphony of black concrete, polished floors, and carefully placed lighting that guides without revealing everything at once.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7029aba4-baa8-4b1b-a798-da342f0c1feb)
- ![The spiral staircase, a central artery of the space. Its polished, distorted steel surface reflects and abstracts the surroundings, making the ascent or descent a disorienting and memorable part of the journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26f16388-7e6c-4766-b80e-a5e52f38877b)
- ![Another perspective of the iconic staircase, showing its relationship to the seating areas. It is not just a functional element but a sculptural centerpiece that defines the Lair's vertical narrative.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4e4bf39-dbc3-4a22-b751-be96bbcb39bf)
- ![An abstract, top-down view of the staircase, where the steps create a hypnotic spiral. The reflection of the textured ceiling in the central column adds another layer of complexity to the visual experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8a237e88-4c57-4df4-9ed9-cf9416f8b992)
- ![The foyer, where a mirrored ceiling doubles the perceived height and creates a dizzying sense of scale. This is the first moment of spatial disorientation, preparing guests for the unconventional world within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93771bdc-a4bb-4bc0-abf1-d7dc11077d0e)
- ![Intimate seating pods are defined by curved stainless steel backrests. The reflective surfaces create a dialogue with the surrounding darkness, offering glimpses of movement and light.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4f57d07-7f66-455e-9b66-f76522dcfba3)
- ![A close-up of a circular booth, where the fusion of raw concrete and sleek leather creates a tactile contrast. The pendant light acts as a focal point, illuminating the table like a stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1cd751c-81c9-4c5d-bcf3-b4b3593d4bdd)
- ![An intimate booth set against a wall of rough, dark stone. The design uses texture to create warmth and interest within a monochromatic palette, ensuring the space feels rich and layered.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04ba0fbb-3444-4367-8008-ce5d581ce663)
- ![The linear dining arrangement, where a long banquette is set against a textured stone wall. The repetition of tables and chairs creates a strong rhythm, contrasted by the organic nature of the stone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5849e719-857d-4c24-a794-6c5d8c0fc825)
- ![The main bar area, characterized by its brutalist black concrete and polished black floors. The reflections create a sense of depth and movement in the otherwise still and silent space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a918cf41-6bb0-44cb-9f9d-ba18d7ab54b8)
- ![A solitary bar stool, hinting at the quiet, personal moments the space is designed to foster. The signage for "Sushi & Sake" is subtly integrated into the raw concrete wall.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d16e2361-9bce-4f59-b096-bde3f6a3a8ff)
- ![A view from above, looking down into the dining area. The geometric arrangement of tables is softened by the curved booths, and the entire scene is captured in the mirrored ceiling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b75e3682-a22e-4a1e-b854-c4cf2f6d0476)
- ![Another aerial perspective, showing the interplay of light and shadow across the different seating arrangements. The design creates a complex tapestry of interconnected yet separate zones.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7390ac7f-a1d5-4ecd-8fbd-7e9a6e0344bd)
- ![The private lounge, a sanctuary within the sanctuary. Here, dark wood paneling and leather seating create a warmer, more traditional atmosphere, offering a different chapter in the Lair's story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3296d37e-9449-48e5-9786-ec30687851ea)
- ![Another view of the private lounge, showing the comfortable seating and the dramatic skylight. This space is designed for quiet conversations and exclusive gatherings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3862c659-54ff-401e-b12b-c4146f72e752)
- ![A detail of the private room, where the angular ceiling geometry contrasts with the rich texture of the wood-paneled walls.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/471e2d2a-8091-4b18-ab02-dbd4f1615397)
- ![The interplay of materials in the private lounge, with rough stone meeting smooth wood paneling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/30611aeb-4cf6-403c-82b6-3685fff3b773)
- ![Reflections and shadows in the main dining area, where polished surfaces and dark corners create a constantly shifting visual landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/524ada69-dcd0-4880-a9c7-2b1d9453a98e)
- ![The sculptural staircase, seen from a different angle, its metallic sheen a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84411310-951d-4854-ad15-3fdd4f55a55b)
- ![A detail of the seating, where the texture of the stone wall is juxtaposed with the smooth leather of the banquette.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28b53938-97d6-4c1e-8b34-510df88f42ec)
- ![A view between two booths, showing how the space is divided into intimate zones.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ecca3e00-371c-4214-becf-e9aada8e68d3)
- ![The bar seating, where the clean lines of the chairs stand out against the dark, textured backdrop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b12a7db-e600-4739-bc0b-10124c22e25a)
- ![A close-up of the bar chairs, emphasizing their minimalist design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b419d9c-f8b4-4208-a8d1-e34d029bd7c3)
- ![The back bar, where bottles are displayed against illuminated glass blocks, creating a glowing grid in the darkness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/063c8e49-2b41-4e19-92e9-c233ef0130e8)
- ![A wide view of the dining area, showing the relationship between the different seating types and the overall architectural language.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f63ebcf-7696-4e93-bac8-7b6079f80727)
- ![Another perspective of the dining area, highlighting the custom pendant lights and the reflective steel panels.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a1d8889-e9db-44fc-a505-10397e347d58)
- ![A split view showing the staircase on the left and the dining area on the right, illustrating the journey and the destination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6f663d6-ea64-4417-8754-80591b6e9cfa)
- ![A glimpse of the staircase through a narrow opening, reinforcing the theme of concealment and discovery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e749aae-5dbe-4494-a48b-37435e8e538f)
- ![A close-up of the "Sushi & Sake" signage, etched into the concrete.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9590c5d0-aeb5-4ac1-98f3-c3b42b58f1c9)
- ![A view from behind a curtain, looking into the dining area, adding to the speakeasy's sense of voyeurism and secrecy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/88d884eb-85e9-43be-b548-780357f4797e)
- ![A detail of the staircase's reflective surface, capturing distorted images of the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5324789a-1bb3-4a90-8f1f-8597ab232f32)
- ![The definition of "Lair" etched into the wall, a direct statement of the brand's identity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62b14fdc-7f1a-488b-a907-f989a5c32820)

## About Lair: A Speakeasy's Secret Narrative

The brutalist aesthetic of Lair relies on the specific interplay between raw black concrete and deliberate, low-key lighting. We engineered the space to force a slower pace, where the central reflective steel staircase acts as a disorienting pivot point. This design choice does more than connect floors. It pulls guests deeper into the narrative, ensuring the environment itself is the primary experience rather than just a backdrop for service.

Our design approach for Lair in Gurgaon centers on the concept of a 'hidden world.' We approached the architecture not as a static interior but as a three-tiered spatial journey. The entrance, concealed behind a glass brick and mirror curtain, creates an immediate sensation of threshold crossing. This is where the dialogue between the seen and the unseen begins.

We utilized brutalist materials—black concrete, rough-hewn stone, and polished stainless steel—to build a monochromatic palette. By removing color, we forced the focus onto texture and shadow. The lighting strategy was equally critical. Rather than illuminating the entire volume, we used precise, directed beams to guide the eye, creating a sense of intimacy that is rare in commercial hospitality projects.

This project demonstrates how we translate a brand's ethos into a physical, immersive memory. Whether it is the rhythmic repetition of the banquette seating or the way the mirrored ceiling expands the vertical scale of the foyer, every architectural decision serves the purpose of concealment and revelation. For clients looking to move beyond standard commercial layouts, Lair represents our commitment to creating spaces that linger in the mind long after the visit ends.

## About Renesa

We are RENESA, a studio focused on the architecture of identity and memory. We don't just fill rooms with furniture. We craft living, breathing narratives that define how people move and feel within a space.

[See all of Renesa's services](https://mytribe.in/renesa.architects)

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## Book

To book Renesa, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20work%20on%20the%20Lair%20speakeasy%20project%20and%20would%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20design%20concept.)