Croatoan Cafeteria: A Minimalist Haven for Coffee Lovers

Award-winning design by Studio 8 1/2

The main concept behind the design is to emphasize the coffee itself, with the coffee machine taking center stage at the bar. The material palette is clean and simple, featuring gray terrazzo tops and sides for the bar and table-tops, natural plywood, and black-painted steel elements. These materials are combined in a minimalist fashion, complemented by clear gray-painted walls, a natural concrete floor, and a line of cement tiles.

Spanning just 25 square meters, the Croatoan Cafeteria is located on the ground level of an existing building in the heart of Plovdiv. The space is divided into an entrance hall with a small bar and seating area for customers, as well as a separate hall with three tables and space for merchandise such as cups, mugs, t-shirts, bags, and books. Service spaces, cleverly hidden behind almost invisible doors, complete the layout.

Every detail in the Croatoan Cafeteria is custom-made, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation. The predominant materials of natural wood, steel, terrazzo, and concrete create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Despite the challenges of a minimal budget and tight deadlines, the design team, led by Studio 8 1/2, successfully transformed this small space into a haven for coffee lovers. The trust and collaboration between the architects and the client were crucial in bringing this vision to life.

The Croatoan Cafeteria project began in January 2017 and was fully completed in October of the same year. The design team, including Antoniya Valkanova, Chavdar Poryazov, Dimitar Ognyanov, and Vladislav Kostadinov, worked closely with local craftsmen to ensure the highest quality of workmanship.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This accolade celebrates the innovative and resourceful nature of the Croatoan Cafeteria, which seamlessly blends art, science, design, and technology to enhance the overall quality of life.