Reimagining Bungalow Charm: Caffe Medici by Jean-Pierre Trou

Award-Winning Coffee Shop Design Embraces Neighborhood Aesthetic

Designing a space that reflects the character of its neighborhood is a challenge that Jean-Pierre Trou embraced when creating Caffe Medici. The goal was to capture the cozy charm of South Austin's bungalow-style homes within a glossy new development. The result is a coffee shop that feels both familiar and intriguing, a neighborhood oasis that seems to predate the commercial development surrounding it.

The design concept was a deconstructed bungalow-style home, an archetype historically typical of the neighborhood. The space features a scale-like facade, inspired by bungalow-style wood shingles, and small "coves" that cater to different experiences. The centrally-placed espresso bar is defined by a wavelike plaster ceiling, a nod to the hearth and chimney, key elements of a traditional home.

Combining digital fabrication with traditional methods, the double curvature Venetian plaster ceiling was realized, keeping the project financially accessible. Material waste was reduced by digitally mapping all steel and wood cuts, achieving precision in all details. Repurposed materials, such as wood decking, were used on the shingle-inspired facade, resulting in a striking look with a traditional feel.

The design process took 14 weeks, with construction lasting around 16 weeks. The project is located in Austin, Texas. One of the challenges faced was staying true to the bungalow aesthetic without being too literal. The design borrows from the archetypes of the traditional bungalow home and recreates it so the architecture feels familiar and intriguing.

The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.