Beans Cafe: A Crystal Cave in the Heart of the City

Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang's Award-Winning Design Transforms a Windowless Space into a Luminous Retreat

The inspiration for the design came from the challenge of transforming a windowless store into a comfortable and inviting space. Chiang associated the lack of windows with a cave and decided to create a crystal cave concept. The reflections of the crystals brighten the space, and the natural light is reflected into the store, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Beans Cafe serves coffee, dessert, and light meals, providing a breathable place for people to escape from busy living. The cave-like design offers a protective shelter where customers can feel safe and relaxed. The shining crystals catch the eye and remind customers of the good times they have in the cafe.

The design was realized using innovative technology. The designer created a lake in front of the entrance ceiling with a waving stainless steel surface. Some narrow gull rocks were produced by 3D printing. A tree is planted in the center of the restaurant and grows towards the light in the middle, simulating sunlight. Special lighting also allows brightness to be auto associated with outdoor true sunlight.

The project started in October 2017 and was completed in March 2018 in Hong Kong. To fully realize the idea of a cave, the designer visited different caves for detailed research. The ceiling, wall, and combination of color and decoration were inspired by real caves. Many 3D printing models were produced before construction.

Despite the challenges of creating a brand image of nature in a space without windows, the designer successfully applied several elements to brighten the space and reflections on the wall to reduce the pressure of a closed interior. The amount of walls was also reduced to make the area more spacious. The result is a unique and innovative design that offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life.