Kava & Chai is a homegrown coffee house that projects Arab culture and traditions surrounding tea and coffee in a positive and intimate way. The client wanted the branding to exude the soul of this speciality coffee shop. The aim was not just to document, but also to elevate the design.
This 1,800sqft specialty coffee shop in DIFC and has an exquisite interior which is unusual, astounding, and in complete balance. It has a striking concept and strong character that provides depth to the design. Be startled by the ceiling that serves as the focal point of the design. The teal structured pipes with leaf graphics are inspired by the coffee roaster machine that the café uses at the back of the house. These massive pipes in the ceiling were designed using a parametric process which is based on algorithm. It utilises the latest techniques to set-up the structural geometry of the project.
The intention was to create a space where people can have a richer experience with a cup of coffee or tea without feeling time pass them by. The colour palette is originally based on the corporate brand of Kava & Chai and was enriched by the leaf pattern to promote its identity. The entire space provides a cool and calming attribute of sophistication, creativity, energy, and wisdom. Together with the customised lighting design that emits a soft glow, the natural quality of the materials creates a mesmerising rhythmic visual effect enhancing the ambience of the space. Terrazzo is mainly used on the tabletop because of its features being elegant and exuberant.
It has a long-lasting finish that performs with a touch of class; valued for its integrity as much as its appearance. While on the floor, we have executed Palladiana terrazzo that is now known under sustainable products. For the chairs and seating pods, 4SPACE used the colour of the Pantone live coral that simply blends on the vibrant look and feel of the café. For the counter, we used Oakwood for its solid hardness with some inlays of coffee beans and tea leaf.
Photographer: Anas Al Rifai
