Helios Airport Brewery

An Experimental Factory Behind the Blue Wall

An experimental project called Helios Airport Brewery has recently opened at the Naha Airport in Okinawa. Designed by Shinjiro Heshiki, this one-of-a-kind brewery offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy freshly brewed beer right at the airport. With its modern atmosphere and unique design elements, Helios Airport Brewery is set to become a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

The inspiration for this project came from the concept of a "Factory Lab." The designer aimed to create a space that is both functional and visually appealing, using various materials to achieve a unique ambiance. The base motif for the design is blue, which represents the sea and sky of Okinawa. This color choice not only draws attention but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

One of the key features of Helios Airport Brewery is its use of wood grain materials, which adds a sense of calm and natural beauty to the space. The layout of the brewery is carefully designed to allow visitors to witness the brewing process firsthand, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere. The combination of modern elements and traditional brewing techniques makes this brewery truly unique.

The facade of the brewery is another standout feature. To ensure visibility from the lower floors, titanium quenching style art paint was applied to the steel plates that make up the facade. The bright titanium color, known as Helios blue, contrasts beautifully against the white walls of the airport, creating a memorable and eye-catching exterior.

The interior of Helios Airport Brewery is equally impressive. A centerpiece of the design is a barrel sculpture made from actual barrels used at the brewery. Surrounding the barrels is a showcase filled with hop artifacts, decorated with stained glass artwork. This dynamic and playful object adds a touch of elegance to the space, creating a truly immersive experience for visitors.

The construction of Helios Airport Brewery began in April 2022 and was completed in November of the same year. The brewery officially opened its doors to the public in December 2022. Throughout the design process, the team faced various challenges, including meeting airport regulations and weight restrictions. However, through careful planning and innovative solutions, they were able to overcome these obstacles and bring their vision to life.

The exceptional design of Helios Airport Brewery has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. With its innovative concept and attention to detail, Helios Airport Brewery is a true testament to the power of design in creating unique and memorable experiences.