By Drawing Inspiration from Negative Space
In the design of Voids Cafe, Studio SKLIM took inspiration from the concept of voids, perceiving them not merely as absence but as a tangible form. The idea stemmed from the empty spaces within everyday objects like coffee cups and matcha bowls, serving as the driving force behind the creation of this micro cafe occupying a mere 28 square meters. Negative spaces were strategically incorporated throughout the interior, with circular geometries serving as a consistent motif, shaping seating booths, countertops, display shelves, and overhanging canopies.
Balancing Form and Function
The design process involved a delicate balance of subtraction and addition to accommodate the operational and anthropometric requirements of the cafe within the confined space. Maximizing every nook and cranny, the layout seamlessly integrated various kitchen inventory with customer zones. This meticulous planning resulted in the establishment of multiple functional areas, including an experience/retail corner, a take-away counter, seating booths, and a dedicated ‘Ritual Counter’ for workshops and the preparation of specialty beverages like drip coffee and matcha.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
A key element of the cafe’s design is the suspended experience circle, where patrons can immerse themselves in the aroma of different coffee grounds and tea products. Counter spaces were strategically positioned to foster closer interaction between customers and baristas, offering a glimpse into the coffee-making process with its accompanying sounds and scents. Circular cut-outs in the concrete counters, paired with petal-like tables, provided comfortable seating arrangements, further enhancing the cafe’s inviting atmosphere.
Custom Craftsmanship
Several design elements were meticulously crafted to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality. The main pink concrete counter top, consisting of 11 custom-casted pieces, served as the centerpiece, while specially designed fabric formwork was utilized to create a minimal surface counter for takeaways. Purposefully cast cracks in the concrete allowed for the emergence of greenery, drawing inspiration from nature reclaiming urban spaces. Circular metal tables projected from the walls, seamlessly blending with the concrete seating booths to create a cohesive visual language.
Embracing Lightness and Fluidity
A striking feature of Voids Cafe is its seemingly weightless structure, with the entire volume suspended from the ceiling without visible supports. The overhanging volume, rendered in textured stucco resembling gritty coffee grounds, adds to the cafe’s whimsical charm, evoking an anti-gravity coffee cloud. The resulting aesthetic is one of fluidity and organic coherence, eschewing predetermined forms in favor of a design that defies convention and invites exploration.
