The Cafe won the International Interior design Association (IIDA) Lighting award.
(top)The casual seating area includes two low lounge double sofas with wool upholstery
(Bottom) Care was taken to provide ample space for coffee service: counter/cash register area for patrons who wish to get items to go.
(Right page) High bar providing patrons views �into the busting activities of the exterior courtyard is constructed of �Ply boo� and is accented with bar stools made of natural woven recycled paper with natural aluminum bases.
The 9500-sq. ft caf� situated at the base of a multi-use commercial building located in the shadow of Seattle�s Space Needle served three function: one- dine in for breakfast, lunch and dinner: two-espresso/take away counter; three-art glass gallery. Space planning was critical to adequately provide the functionality required within the limited space and to comfortable accommodate �to go� customers as well as patrons who choose to linger in the adjacent dinning room.
Care was taken to provide ample space for coffee service: counter/cash register for patrons who wish to get items to go. Counter service customers are encouraged to enjoy the informal seating area at the front of the caf�. The casual seating area includes two lounge sofas with wool upholstery. Additional seating is available at the high bar, which offers views into the busting activities of the exterior courtyard. The high bar is constructed of �Plyboo�, a sustainable plywood material made from coconut trees, and is accented with bar stools made of natural woven recycled paper with natural aluminum bases. Abstract �Clouds� conceal spotlights; the semi-translucent backing is illuminated creating a soft diffusing glow and general ambient lighting. Creative lighting techniques address the dual personality of the space: cool light sources as one enters the caf� and warmer sources where patrons are encouraged to linger.
The dining area takes on a different personality expressing a calm environment adjacent to busy take away/retail area. The dining room employs formal seating with two, three, four and eight people tables, which utilize sustainable �Plyboo� material with a warm cherry finish. The warm wooden tables are complemented by heavy woven chairs in deep amber. An impressive display of illuminated hand blown glass further emphasizes the warmth crated with the selected materials, finishes and colors. Art glass is set aglow with dimmable halogen sources concealed within display shelves. A sheer curtain, with macro-realistic pattern of static electricity, is draped across the face of the display shelves acting as a filter through the sheer pattern. At night, the pattern reflects colors of the illuminated art glass, creating a subtle play of light. A built-in niche with bench, also constructed of �Plyboo�, offers patrons an intimate respite from the dining area. The macro pattern of crochet on the wallpaper serves as a focal point. A backlit curved wall embraces the dining area while concealing the secondary entrance.
Colour pallet, pattern and textures of the materials along with careful space planning create a simple elegance and a quiet interlude from the hectic pace of the outside world.
The warm wooden tables in the dining room are complemented by heavy woven chairs in deep amber
A sheer curtain, with macro-realistic pattern of static electricity, is draped across the face of the display shelves acting as a filter through the sheer pattern. At night, the pattern reflects colors of the illuminated art glass, creating a subtle play of light.
Abstract �Clouds� conceal spotlights: the semi-translucent packing is illuminated, creating a soft diffusing glow and general ambient lighting.
An impressive display of illuminated hand blown glass injects warmth to the dining room.
A built-in niche with bench constructed of �Plyboo� offers patrons an intimate respite from the dining area.
Photography Alex Mogilevsky