Dubai Café Splits the Design Concept to Represent Different Personalities

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a dual café design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client wants to elevate the interiors of Coffeetea’s new branch in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) that will reflect its branding identity and the story behind the name “Coffeetea”.

What inspired the design of the project?

Coffee, tea, or both? Give it a gentle stir and get ready to indulge your taste buds in a unique blend of taste and flavors. This unique perspective gave 4SPACE an idea on how to elevate the interiors of the new branch of Coffeetea located at the financial hub of Dubai, DIFC.

This 200 sqm café has a split concept that is derived from having a split personality between a coffee lover or a tea lover. The green represents tea and the brown represents coffee. It’s a very literal translation but the result is outstanding. A distinctive visual style that creates an inviting destination and international appeal. This café is designed to offer an experience that disconnects customers from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ceiling design was inspired by the coffee bean in its original form while it’s on the Arabica Tree; the green preserved moss replicates the leaves while the red glass characterizes raw coffee beans. On the floor, we used a German Technology called Stein Art, an exclusive sandstone that gives the space a distinctive mood.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Aside from the tight deadline, the client has a tight budget as well. As designers, it is our responsibility to look for alternative solutions that will suit the client’s budget but are still aesthetically appealing and functional.

We sourced materials which are available locally and are sustainable (with low VOC). We made sure that all the materials being installed are durable and as per the original design intent.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The symmetrical pattern of arches on the wall and the floor provides layers and design features that are very minimalist and refreshing. The façade projects a sense of grandeur welcoming the customers with a vivid and nostalgic color palette. There’s a feature for brick walls with recessed plants in the shape of a tree that promotes a biophilic approach. To add the feeling of an outdoor backyard, a window with droplets was created to deliver a cozy ambiance. The contrasting hard and soft colors and design details reflect the characters enhanced by the branding integrated into the café through the signage.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We’ve been participating SBID awards for 7 years, and our Co-founders are both SBID Members. We believe on its vision and so we are always proud to share our projects to the SBID audience, this time it is “Coffeetea”. 4SPACE have designed and created an imaginative and evocative space that has a relaxed and indulgent atmosphere; a hospitality experience infused with local café culture.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder, 4SPACE Design.