Since setting up its first nightclub in Spain 40 years ago, Pacha Group has become synonymous with Ibiza’s free-spirited, fun-loving party lifestyle. The group went on to launch clubs all over Spain and to franchise the Pacha name to clubs in Rio, Moscow, New York, London and more – and now that same brand of hedonistic fun has touched down in Asia, with a cool new space in resort and entertainment destination Studio City Macau.

Spanish F&B and retail design firm ABC Architecture & Engineering Consultants came on board to do the design; they were tasked with creating a club that retained Pacha’s “trademark and essence”, says Jon Uria, Brand Architect for Pacha. “The priority has always been … to create a luxurious design, but without becoming ostentatious, as well as adapting to the Asian world, its customs and varied tastes.”

Pacha’s impressive roof terrace at Studio City Macau

Along with a 12,900-square-foot dance floor, Pacha Macau boasts a vast, palm tree-lined terrace complete with cabanas and water features, a backlit Champagne Tunnel, and various private suites and VIP spaces. The private suites are “two story spaces equipped with all the luxurious features you can imagine, including karaoke, three independent screens, couches that may be converted in huge beds, windows that maintain contact with the dance floor without being seen, restrooms, private bars, and more,” says Alberto de la Camara, Project Manager at ABC’s China office. “The VIP experience at Pacha Macau is incomparable: a completely different entrance that takes you all the way to your table through super-chic corridors; private bathrooms and tables featuring built-in ice buckets that have capacity for more than 10 champagne bottles.”

The Champagne Tunnel and green wall

One of the main challenges on this project was designing the space in a way that catered to every kind of event – from huge sessions with international DJs like Erick Morillo and Nervo to private parties – and different times of day and night. “We were fully aware that an empty night club is not attractive,” says Uria. Given the huge dance floor, they catered to “this layout by we inventing a complete curtain and panel mechanism, to create a space that grows and opens up a little bit at a time as people enter it. This way, we created a space for Pacha Macau that changes from early in the night, on weekdays when just a few people have entered or during a private party, to when it is at full capacity.”

A two-storey private room complete with KTV

The designers faced other challenges relating to the acoustics of the club and soundproofing the space, but they are thrilled with the end results. They are particularly proud of Pacha Macau’s statement-making coral feature, which surrounds the club’s shop floor and covers the staircase. “This bright, intense red surface was created using hand-curved iron elements, and it makes going up the mechanical staircase an experience of its own,” says de la Camara. “It’s a preview of what you are going to find within Pacha Macau.”

Pacha Macau
pachamacau.com

Studio City
studiocity-macau.com