Przełom is a new café-bar in Kraków, whose interior design by Natalia Balcer of NABLAB stands out for its consistency, sensitivity to materials and attention to the visitor’s experience. The name of the venue is no coincidence – it pays homage to the history of the site, where the ‘Przełom’ Glass Processing Plant once operated. The idea of a ‘breakthrough’ became the starting point here for both the functional layout and the way the spatial narrative is told.
The irregular floor plan of the venue defines four zones: the bar area, the main listening room, an intimate lounge and the back-of-house facilities. Each has a distinct character, yet all are united by a coherent concept inspired by the Japanese tradition of the Jazz Kissa – spaces designed for attentive listening to music. At Przełom, every element of the interior has been subordinated to sound quality and the comfort of the listener.
The bar: the heart of the venue
Right from the entrance, the bar catches the eye with its finish of multicoloured tiles from Palet. It is the central point of the venue – a place where speciality coffee, cakes baked on-site by Asia Pachowicz from The Cakery, and music played from vinyl records come together. The bar’s structure flows seamlessly into the main listening room, literally breaking up the space and defining its dynamics.
This multifunctional structure also serves as the DJ’s booth. The distinctive round porthole opens up a visual dialogue between the zones, allowing a glimpse into the listening room and a view of the performing artist.
Acoustics
Natalia Balcer’s design encompasses more than just the visual aspect – creating conditions conducive to focused listening was key. Acoustic comfort is ensured by suspended structures arranged according to an acoustic model of the rooms. These are complemented by bespoke textile panels, which serve both decorative and acoustic functions.
The interior of Przełom is based on a combination of austerity and softness. Steel and concrete form the base, balanced by wood and fabrics. Maximalist forms are set against a minimalist backdrop, ensuring the space remains clear and functional. Carefully designed lighting allows the atmosphere to be modulated – from a daytime setting conducive to work and meetings, to an evening atmosphere that is more intimate and focused on music.
Long live craftsmanship!
The work of craftsmen and artists plays a key role in the design. The interior is complemented by unique pieces created specifically for this space: a welded table-sculpture by Wawrzyniec Polcyn of M&W Construction Group, ceramics by Hey Mimi, a lamp designed by Bluba Studio, and a hand-made rug by Karolina Wolska from LUP Studio, created using the labour-intensive tufting technique. The whole is complemented by original upholstery patterns and acoustic panels designed by Natalia Balcer.
A place with two faces
Przełom operates in two modes. By day, it is an inclusive café – perfect for a leisurely dessert, working over a coffee or a moment’s rest. In the evenings, the space changes character, becoming a listening bar where gatherings accompanied by analogue sounds take centre stage. This duality, ingrained in the venue’s DNA, ensures that Przełom will appeal to both coffee lovers and music enthusiasts.
The NABLAB project is an example of an interior where aesthetics, functionality and acoustics form a coherent whole. Przełom stands out not only for its refined design, but also for its consistent approach to the idea of listening to music.
design: Natalia Balcer / NABLAB
photos: Studio Archives
Read also: Bar | Kraków | Interiors | Detail | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
