Orange Bike Brewing Co.

As Portland’s first gluten-free brewery, Orange Bike Brewing Co. set out to redefine expectations - not only of what a brewery could serve, but how it could feel. Tucked in along Diamond Street, the founders envisioned a space far removed from the typical industrial-modern Maine brewery aesthetic. Instead, the design direction leaned into warmth, elegance, and inclusivity, with sustainability and cultural awareness at its core.

Lighting played a key role in realizing this hospitality-forward vision. A consistent 2700K color temperature reinforces the residential, living room-like ambiance, while soft, feminine materials temper the rawness of the existing structure. Staggered ceiling-mounted cylinders offer a modern take on ambient lighting, deliberately breaking from the hard-edged grid typical of taprooms.

Integrated millwork lighting was used to highlight key architectural features, including the custom merchandise wall, display shelving, and the central bar, inviting guests to explore the space in a relaxed, curated way.

In a departure from most brewery experiences, the brewing area is prominently and intentionally visible and often used for guided tours. As such, lighting in these "back-of-house" zones was approached with the same level of care and detail. Accent lights highlight the antique brewing equipment, transforming it from utilitarian function into an artistic focal point and blurring the line between production and presentation.