Going against the grain of the typical minimalist, modern café atmosphere, Arnun Wattanaporn worked with Space+Craft to create a feeling of cosiness for Kaizen Coffee Co. in the heart of Bangkok.
December 6th, 2019
Kaizen Coffee Co. is known as one of the best speciality coffee places in Bangkok. It all began when Arnun Wattanaporn, a young barista, became inspired by the vibrant cafe culture in Australia and sought to recreate a version of it in Thailand’s bustling capital.
After enjoying a widely successful reception, Kaizen set out to breach new frontiers and re-establish itself as a place to enjoy fresh, healthy meals as well as great coffee. This called for a change in design concept for Kaizen – aesthetically and functionally. To help design and bring this new iteration of Kaizen Coffee Co. to life, Arnun enlisted local design studio, space+craft.
The newly built stand-alone space that Kaizen Coffee Co. now calls home sits nestled amongst the high-rises of Bangkok’s cityscape in the prime location of Ekamai. Unlike previous incarnations of Kaizen – which were characteristically minimalist in design – Arnun’s brief to space+craft was to create a cosy place for his customers to sit and enjoy delicious coffee and nutritious food.
With the entire front façade of the double-height space constructed of glass, space+craft’s first challenge was to design an interior that would interest and invite passers-by. In response to this challenge, the studio expertly harnesses the power of materiality.
Dark grey brick and naturally finished oak were selected as the primary materials for the interior. The harmonious combination evokes a sense of cosy sophistication. Cosy thanks to the humble oak; sophisticated thanks to the tone and texture of the brick.
From the street, Kaizen’s new home draws the eye with the distinctive pattern in which the bricks are laid to surround the counter and the first-floor wall. Staked in alternating directions, the brick layout adds a level of tactility, design detail and character that draws attention from the outside in.
Spatially, the furniture configuration is open plan with a functional twist on both the first and second floors. The layout has been designed to make room for a variety of customer needs — whether they be in a group, or dining solo; staying for dinner or just grabbing coffee.
Kaizen Coffee Co.’s new look has become synonymous with the establishment’s high standards and great service, effectively re-establishing the look and feeling of one of Bangkok’s most popular coffee destinations.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
A hair salon in the Japanese capital blends a language of metal and water in a distinctive, original design.
A hospitality venue in the heart of Osaka comprising four dining options – a place where nostalgic pastimes meet high-end dining.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The AIA Alta Wellness Haven offers the complete package for health and wellbeing away from the busy city life in Hong Kong and does it through a stellar interior design.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.