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sheng sheng kapi.

Yi-Liang Dong, Yi-Jou Wen

Naked Project Interior Design Ltd.

Silver Prize

"An exemplary modern wabi-sabi cafe design that integrates geometric volume reinterpretation and sustainable low-intervention strategies to create an atmosphere of ultimate urban tranquility."

-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award

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Project description

This café embodies the essence of "modern wabi-sabi," skillfully reinterpreting geometric shapes and volumes to create an inviting and contemplative atmosphere. With a thoughtfully curated palette of subdued, low-saturation colors, the design incorporates striking accents of contrasting materials and vivid color blocks. This combination not only enhances the visual richness of the space but also artfully plays with the dynamic interplay between solid forms and voids. Furthermore, the design reflects the owner’s unwavering commitment to crafting an environment of ultimate tranquility and personal retreat. To achieve this, the color palette is deliberately restrained, featuring expansive areas of light gray artistic paint juxtaposed against the warm tones of dark walnut wood. The strategic use of negative space serves as a defining element, contributing to the overall serenity of the café. As a result, the atmosphere cultivated within this space is both calm and understated, inviting patrons to linger and enjoy a sense of focus and privacy. This café stands not only as a place to savor coffee but also as a sanctuary for reflection and relaxation.


The spatial layout is thoughtfully designed to facilitate movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, effectively defining various functional zones throughout the space. At the heart of this layout lies an exceptionally long standing-bar island, gracefully paired with a full-width horizontal bar counter, which together establish a dynamic rhythm that invites exploration. Complementing this centerpiece are sleek linear ceiling lights that enhance the verticality of the space, creating an illusion of depth. Moreover, this standing-bar island strategically divides the dining area into two distinct sections, allowing diners to enjoy a more private and tranquil experience away from the bustling activity. In addition, the island fosters an intuitive circulation path, enabling takeout customers and those making quick stops to navigate in and out seamlessly. This design not only ensures a smooth flow of traffic but also preserves the serenity of the dining area, maintaining a harmonious balance between high energy and quiet relaxation.


In the counter area, the design showcases a significantly lowered ceiling paired with a raised floor, which together define the workspace with clarity and elegance, all without the need for physical partitions. This meticulous planning facilitates an efficient flow of equipment, ensuring smooth operations even with minimal staff on hand. Moreover, the facade is a striking feature that incorporates sculptural openings, intricate cutouts, and dynamic inlays of contrasting materials, introducing delightful elements of surprise within the overall minimalist framework. For instance, the amber-colored translucent acrylic, partially embedded in the corner of the bar counter alongside the carefully designed lighting fixtures, acts as a captivating visual focal point. This choice of material contrasts beautifully with the deep stone flooring and rich woodwork, creating a stunning display that feels like a scene within a scene, inviting guests to appreciate the artistry of the space.


In our commitment to sustainability, we took a thoughtful approach by preserving the original flooring, which not only enhances the character of the space but also minimizes waste associated with replacing floor coverings. Furthermore, we meticulously optimized our selection and combination of materials to ensure both efficiency and responsibility in our design choices. To accommodate the extensive plumbing and electrical work required for this project, we strategically opted for a raised-floor system. This innovative solution avoids the need to chisel into walls for pipe installation, thereby protecting the integrity of the structure. Additionally, this approach not only promotes environmental stewardship but also provides flexible access for future maintenance and repairs, ensuring that the space remains functional and sustainable for years to come.

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