Contemporary Kopitiam Design

Information
NEWCLEUS DESIGN
TEL: +6019 798 2443
WEBSITE: https://www.madebynewcleus.com

Vertical Lines, Circular Details, Bold Colours, And A Combination Of Metallic And Natural Materials Are Brought Together To Create A Tropically Warm And Local Dining Environment.

The contemporary design of Hometown Hainan Coffee, Berjaya Times Square is the result of an exploration of juxtaposing clean architectural lines with softer rounded edges throughout the space, finished with a striking use of earthy terracotta red and warm sage green. A double-volume stepped wall constructed of angled lightweight bricks takes centre stage here, mirroring the vertical green timber battens that line all walls of the cafe. Tropical plants such as fern and palm are paired with spherical lighting fixtures and back-lit mirrors to soften the strong vertical architectural language.

Being a flagship store in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, the designers decided to make a statement by introducing earthy terracotta red elements to contrast the brand’s green corporate colour, creating a warm and bold tropical uplift to the space. The bar design reflects this with a deep red cladding and rounded steel structure overhead, holding a rose-gold lamp. Taking cues from bright ice-cream trucks, the bar design is front and centre in the space, beckoning customers with a neon sign spelling ‘Kopi Beng Awaits’.

This customised palette continues through the materials and art. Terrazzo slabs adorn the bar counter and several seats, speckled with red stone chips and translucent green glass. Founded in Italy since the 15th century, Terrazzo is a material made entirely from natural ingredients that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. It combines natural stone chips, glasses, cement, and water together without any resin glue component.

A pair of arched booth seats is cosily tucked away, set against a vibrant mural of abstract artwork referencing the arabica coffee plant. Hand painted by the designers themselves, the wall art is an ode to the client’s passion for ‘Kopi’ production, which they roast locally and brew to order. The tropical scheme matches the design philosophy of the brand, who strives to create a comfortable, modern yet local dining space for their patrons.

Transparent glass blurs the border between the interiors of the café and the outdoors, where patrons can enjoy the views of the streetscape. Seating layouts cater to a wide variety of groups, ranging from small groups of two to four persons, to bigger groups who can move organically around on the terrazzo and rubberwood benches. Casual meetings can also be held at the customised concrete and steel communal table found in a nook under the staircase.