Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Café Culture in Taiwan

Kai-Wei Liu’s Sinnie Design Revives a Warehouse with Storytelling Flair

The “Craftsmanship” café project, designed by Kai-Wei Liu of Sinnie Design, stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of heritage and modernity. Located in Taiwan, this venue was once a warehouse and has been a local landmark for over 75 years. As the brand transitions to a new generation, the design preserves the pioneering spirit of its founders, repurposing vintage machinery and industrial elements to create a space rich in narrative and visual intrigue.

Distinctive for its sharp industrial style, the café features original steel beams in a gable roof, balanced by warm wood accents. Exposed EMT conduits run along the beams, reinforcing the industrial aesthetic while enhancing lighting and air circulation. The exterior’s bright green walls and guiding lines on the floor draw attention and direct movement, making the space both visually striking and highly functional. Retired machinery is displayed as decor, inviting customers to explore the site’s history as they enjoy their meals.

Material selection plays a crucial role in conveying the café’s ethos. Concrete, steel, and iron are left with minimal finishing, allowing natural textures and eco-friendly qualities to shine. The color palette—gray, green, silver, and black—creates a clean, modern look, while the green logo stands out boldly. Warm lighting not only highlights the design but also enhances the presentation of food, making it more appealing to patrons.

Spanning 165.2 square meters, the layout is divided into ordering and dining areas, connected by a floor guideline that increases operational efficiency. The open plan includes a counter, seating, sofa, and bar areas, as well as a storage room and freezer. Central to the experience are the vintage machines, which serve as interactive exhibits, allowing guests to engage with the site’s legacy. This thoughtful arrangement encourages customers to linger and immerse themselves in the café’s unique atmosphere.

One of the project’s greatest challenges was remodeling the original cement-tile roof to introduce natural light. The addition of six skylights required innovative structural solutions to maintain waterproofing and stability. A specialized drainage system was implemented, ensuring the roof’s functionality while seamlessly integrating new aluminum-framed windows. These skylights now connect the interior to the local community, flooding the space with daylight and enhancing its welcoming ambiance.

“Craftsmanship” has garnered significant recognition, winning the Silver A' Design Award in 2025 for its outstanding blend of technical expertise and artistic vision. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can honor the past while creating inviting, contemporary spaces that resonate with both history and innovation.

This revitalized café not only serves as a gathering place but also as a living museum, where every detail—from the natural cement textures to the guiding floor lines—reflects the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and community.