Rooted in a childhood surrounded by Scotland’s castles and stately homes, this designer developed a lifelong passion for architecture and the interplay between history and modernity. Now based in Canada, their work draws on the dramatic mountain landscape and regional heritage - timber, steel, and stone become a language of place and memory. For this project, the central inspiration was nature itself, with a striking stone outcrop at Sunshine Mountain Village guiding the vision for the Divine Bar Delirium Dive.
Using a massive stone outcrop as the starting point for this design, Russell and Russell created a beautiful timber frame building wrapped with 270° of dramatic windows, inviting the mountains into this stunning bar and helping to set the tone of this welcoming interior.
It was vital to give visitors a warm and inviting retreat, while keeping them deeply connected to nature. So as you enter the building you are welcomed by dynamic timberframe with beautiful blonde wood on the floor and ceiling, luxurious natural materials from black velvet, antiqued granite to local fossils embedded in each table - all setting the tone for this incredible interior. The centrepiece is a stunning 360° freestanding fire with cosy seating to help conjure up memories of being around the campfire. While with its dramatic glacier stone backdrop, the bar itself is designed to be reminiscent of rich black coal, a respectful nod to the history of the local mining industry.
While enjoying this quintessentially Canadian bar, visitors will continue to be inspired by the power of nature, as they kickback and relax, enjoying the incredible views, warm fire and dramatic organic natural finishes.
"Back in 1999, Russell and Russell was founded the same time that Carlos created Divine Flooring. So we've got a long history there, and we've got an excellent relationship with Divine. From the amazing range of products, the fantastic quality, and incredibly helpful staff—it’s been an amazing 20-year relationship for us as a company. So it’s been an easy collaboration and a complete pleasure."
- Lesley Russell