GRND Coffee: A Unique Blend of Design and Functionality

Fahad Alhumaidi and Noura Alshammari's Innovative Approach to Cafe Design

The inspiration for GRND Coffee started seven years ago with a bag of single-origin coffee, a blade grinder, and a French press. The designers' curiosity and love for coffee fueled the design process, resulting in a space that reflects their story. The coffee machines were intentionally left exposed, adding to the authenticity and rawness of the cafe.

What sets GRND Coffee apart is its unique approach to space utilization and design. The designers created a separate steel structure to separate the cafe from the old building's weak wall structure. This structure, finished with oak wood in a herringbone pattern with brass dividers, is echoed by brass spacers in the polished terrazzo floor. This design decision not only addressed structural issues but also added a unique aesthetic to the cafe.

To maximize the 30 square meter space, the designers opted for a row of upholstered benches along one wall instead of traditional tables and chairs. This decision was accompanied by small, lightweight tables that can be easily moved to suit patrons’ needs, offering flexibility and maximizing the use of space.

The cafe's design was realized using a combination of industrial elements and luxurious finishes. Marble surfaces and polished brass inserts meld with the oak wood and terrazzo floor, creating a harmonious blend of textures and materials. This balance between industrial and luxurious elements is a testament to the designers' ability to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The project, which started in March 2019 and was completed in May 2019, faced several challenges. The designers had to work with an old building with a weak wall partition separating the different retail spaces. However, their innovative solution of creating a separate steel structure to accommodate their design effectively addressed this challenge.

GRND Coffee's unique design has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and GRND Coffee certainly fits the bill. With its unique blend of design and functionality, GRND Coffee is a testament to the designers' creativity and passion for coffee.