The Maze NYC: A Sober Members’ Club Redefining Nightlife
Designed by Opa Architects and Laube Studio, this 4,600-square-foot social hub is designed for connection without alcohol.
Summary
- Opa Architects and Laube Studio designed The Maze, a 4,600-square-foot alcohol-free members’ club in Chelsea featuring a non-linear, bistro-inspired layout
- The space includes an Apothecary Bar, co-working pods and a café led by Tom Colicchio
Located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, The Maze is a pioneering alcohol-free members’ club designed as a “third place” for New Yorkers seeking social connection without the presence of spirits. A collaborative effort between Opa Architects and Laube Studio, the 4,600-square-foot space reimagines the traditional lounge atmosphere through a lens of sobriety and wellness.
The club’s layout is intentionally non-linear, drawing inspiration from its namesake to encourage exploration and spontaneous interactions, offering a diverse program that includes work areas, communal lounges, and a dedicated bar serving complex non-alcoholic botanical elixirs. At its center sits a highly adaptable dining room that functions as a café, restaurant and co-working hub, with Crafted Hospitality led by Tom Colicchio overseeing the kitchen.
The interiors channel a contemporary European bistro aesthetic, featuring a verdant mosaic-tiled bar capped with green stone, Pierre Frey banquette fabrics, and plush velvet seating. Wide arches, symmetrical lines and wooden flooring create a visual tempo throughout, while the sports lounge offers a more casual energy with deep sofas, a pool table and discreetly integrated screens. Strategic lighting design further enhances the mood, transitioning from soft, diffused natural light during the day to amber, sunset-hued glows in the evening to maintain a sophisticated social energy.
Functionality meets high-concept design through the club’s specialized amenities, which include a “sensory library” and soundproof pods for focused work or private reflection. The centerpiece of the venue is the Apothecary Bar, a sculptural installation crafted from reclaimed stone where mixologists prepare drinks using adaptogens and high-end dealcoholized wines. By prioritizing tactile materials and a fluid architectural flow, the design team has created an environment that feels premium and exclusive, successfully challenging the notion that a vibrant nightlife destination requires alcohol to be the focal point.
