Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Project Stats
- Location
DFW Airport, Texas
- Size
18,105 SF
- Role
Lead Design Architect
Architect of Record
- Partner
ICRAVE
- Market
- Expertise
Celebrating the crossroads of east and west
The new Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) celebrates the best and brightest of both Dallas and Fort Worth with a design that highlights the region’s unique position at the crossroads of east and west. Located on two levels in Terminal D, the new 18,105-square-foot lounge features the signature hospitality, thoughtful planning and elevated finishes passengers have come to expect at Sapphire lounges.
Marrying classic western motifs as a nod to the historic bearing of Fort Worth with refined, metallic materiality reflecting the cosmopolitan feel of Dallas provides an elevated, eclectic mood board. The lounge evokes a nostalgic “Old West” aesthetic through vintage patterns, textures and elaborate detailing while a sophisticated palette and luxe materials — like leather wrapped wall panels and oxblood stone — counterbalance the space with the chic “New West” aesthetic emerging from Dallas. The clean application of this patchwork of materials that allude to both curation and rugged expression grounds the space with depth and harmony.
Double-layered lounge
As guests enter at the concourse level, they flow through the concierge area into a small lounge area and refresh zone with an operable “grab and go” beverage center. The refresh zone can be concealed when not in use or can be opened as an overflow area when the main lounge is at high capacity. A pair of elevators brings travelers up to the lounge level overlooking the ticketing hall. The linear footprint provides abundant views into the airport and allows for the separation of different activities.
A pair of elevators brings travelers up to the lounge level overlooking the ticketing hall. The linear footprint provides abundant views into the airport and allows for the separation of different activities. A quiet wellness area is tucked behind the lounge-level attendant desk for guests seeking a respite from their travels. The area features spa treatment rooms with FaceHaus products, showers with Apotheke products, and private rest pods with customizable lighting by BrainLit that supports circadian rhythm. Scattered lounge seating and a phone room complete this quiet corner of the lounge. On the other side of the welcome desk, a productivity area acts as the living room of the lounge, with a large sofa, armchairs, and stools offering a range of seating options and an adjacent beverage center for convenient access.
Taste of Texas
Crowned with the Chase Sapphire Lounge signature tiered canopy, the bar takes center stage, with plenty of seating options surrounding it. Behind the bar, the “rec room” serves as an activation of the main bar. Imagined as a speakeasy-style whiskey lounge, the space allows users to experience a spirit pairing in an intimate bar setting. Brushed brass elements nod to the copper vats used in the fermentation process, while pattern and texture in the space pays homage to the Texas landscape. Integrated TVs — a first for a Sapphire lounge — are a nod to the popular Fort Worth drive-in theater and reinforce the high-end sports club meets speakeasy experience. At each end of the rec room, custom hair on hide murals and inset tufted rugs desgined in collaboration with local artist Kyle Bunting represent Dallas and Fort Worth, respectively.
Beyond the bar lounge, the large dining area stretches along the windows, with seating configurations for every group size. The adjacent servery and beverage center allow guests to select from a range of chef-prepared food and drink options. At the far end of the lounge, additional seating, a kid’s room, mothers’ room, and spacious restrooms round out the amenities. Shaped by the area’s history as the confluence of refined and rustic, the lounge is a place for travelers to find both sophistication and adventure.
