Kongge Caffee: A Fashionable and Green Community Cafe

Creating a Unique Space for Chinese Coffee Lovers

In China, more and more people are seeking a favorite space, beyond just a cup of coffee, when they visit a cafe. They want a place where they can enjoy music, read a book, chat with friends, or work alone. Cafes have become a new way of life in the city. Recognizing this trend, Sea King, the designer behind Kongge Caffee, set out to create a fashionable, green, and natural space that also reflects traditional Chinese cultural characteristics.

Sea King and the design team embarked on a journey to find materials that would bring their vision to life. They discovered bricks, wood, and metal windows and doors from old houses that were scheduled to be dismantled. These materials not only had a unique artistic quality but were also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. By repurposing these materials, the designers not only added a touch of history to the cafe but also contributed to sustainable design.

However, the designers wanted to incorporate more Chinese cultural elements into the space. They found inspiration in traditional Chinese clothing fabrics, which are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. By integrating these fabrics into the design, Sea King successfully infused the cafe with a sense of fashion and cultural identity. The designers also created a custom sofa for the cafe, which has become a beloved feature among visitors.

The realization of Kongge Caffee involved a combination of materials such as bricks, wood, metal windows, and Chinese traditional clothing fabrics. The result is a 300㎡ space that exudes charm, sophistication, and a strong connection to Chinese culture.

Kongge Caffee, located in Nanjing, China, was completed between December 2013 and February 2014. Since its opening, it has become a popular destination for coffee lovers seeking a unique and culturally rich experience.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2015. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. Kongge Caffee's thoughtful integration of industry best practices and its contribution to a better world have earned it this esteemed accolade.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jin Haiyang
Image Credits: Jin Haiyang
Project Team Members: Jin Haiyang
Project Name: Kongge Caffee
Project Client: Jin Haiyang


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