A new cocktail bar in Denver is challenging the conventional relationship between design and hospitality. Semiprecious, the brainchild of hospitality mavens Mike Capoferri and Rahul Marwah in partnership with the acclaimed design studio Wunder Werkz, is not just a place for exceptional drinks; it’s a testament to the power of design as a core business strategy. This venture represents a paradigm shift. The design studio is not merely a contractor but a co-owner, sharing in both the risks and the rewards. This approach makes Semiprecious a truly unique destination in the Denver hospitality scene.
The collaboration is born from a history of successful projects. These include the celebrated Los Angeles bars Night on Earth and Thunderbolt. With Semiprecious, however, the team wanted to deepen their partnership. This move signals a growing understanding of how integral design and branding are to a business’s success. “We firmly believe that design can be a differentiator, determining a project’s success or failure,” states Jon Hartman, a partner at Wunder Werkz. This is a bold declaration in an industry often focused solely on food and beverage.
The Semiprecious Concept: European Aperitivo Culture in Denver
Semiprecious draws its core inspiration from the aperitivo cultures of Western Europe. It celebrates the vibrant cocktail traditions of Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. The primary aim is to create a welcoming neighborhood spot. Here, patrons can enjoy accessible yet exceptional cocktails without pretense. Located in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, the bar is designed to be an anchor for the community. It fosters a genuine spirit of connection over good drinks and truly thoughtful design.
The beverage program at Semiprecious builds on an innovative, tech-forward foundation. This same approach brought global recognition to Thunderbolt. Cocktails are engineered to be served at their optimal temperature, ensuring a perfectly balanced drink every time. This high-tech method allows for hyper-consistent quality and speedy service. Consequently, it frees up the bartenders to focus on what truly matters: hospitality. As Mike Capoferri explains, “We’ve employed technology to remove some of the road blocks that can take the team’s focus off of the guest experience.”
A Deep Dive into the Design of Semiprecious
The design of Semiprecious is a masterclass in elevating humble materials through thoughtful application. The team, led by Wunder Werkz, transformed a 1952 furniture showroom. They carefully preserved many of its charming mid-century architectural details. These include large canted windows and a stacked stone facade. This thoughtful preservation allows natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Le Corbusier’s Influence and a Bold Color Palette
The design philosophy behind Semiprecious takes cues from the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. It is particularly influenced by his minimalist retreat, Cabanon de vacances. This inspiration is evident in the use of simple, honest materials applied with a high level of craftsmanship. The color palette is a direct nod to Le Corbusier’s strong stance on color. It pairs a rich oxblood (jasper) with a vibrant cobalt (lapis lazuli). This bold color combination is applied to every element within the space. The result is a cohesive and visually striking environment.
Sustainable and Innovative Materials
While most of the materials used are readily accessible—pegboard, white oak, and tile—there is one standout exception. The bar top, created by The Good Plastic Company, is the first of its kind in the United States. It is a faux marble made from 100% post-consumer appliances. This commitment to sustainability and innovation is a core part of the Semiprecious identity. This innovative material transforms items like refrigerators and electronics into beautiful, durable surfaces. This choice reflects a deep commitment to responsible design.
The Visionaries Behind Semiprecious
The success of this new cocktail bar is a direct result of the collaborative spirit and expertise of its founders. Each partner brings a unique and invaluable skill set to the table.
Mike Capoferri and Rahul Marwah: The Hospitality Gurus
Mike Capoferri’s journey in hospitality began at age fourteen. His career has taken him from slinging smoothies to bartending at high-end establishments. Eventually, it led to opening his own critically acclaimed bars. His partner, Rahul Marwah, brings a wealth of experience from the world of franchising. His business acumen provides a strong operational foundation for their ventures. Together, their expertise in the Denver hospitality landscape is unparalleled.
Wunder Werkz: The Design Strategists
Wunder Werkz is a multidisciplinary design studio with offices in Denver and Reykjavik. Their philosophy is that design should not be a mere “veneer.” Instead, it should be a core part of a business’s strategy. For them, good design has the power to shape outcomes and create lasting economic value. Their partnership in Semiprecious is a testament to their belief in deep collaboration. It is also a commitment to reframing how design is valued in the business world.
A New Standard for Creative Collaboration
Semiprecious is more than just another cocktail bar. It serves as a compelling case study in the power of creative collaboration. The equal partnership between hospitality experts and a design studio has resulted in a holistic and seamlessly executed concept. This venture challenges the traditional client-designer relationship. Furthermore, it paves the way for a new model where design is integral from the ground up. As Jon Hartman of Wunder Werkz puts it, “With Semiprecious, we’re not only building a great looking bar, but an example of how design is part of the brand experience that people come back for.”
All images © Wunder Werkz. Feel free to find other inspiring projects in the Branding and Graphic Design categories here at WE AND THE COLOR.
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