Balance Coffee | Cafe
cafe | 200 sq.m.
Architects: Arianna Mikaya, Olga Gorbunova, Alexandra Kabashnaya, Karina Krezhenevskaya
Photo: Dmitrii Suvorov
Balance Coffee returned to KIDZ for a second design project after successfully completing their flagship café (check the project via the link).
While the previous project showcased a vibrant, everyday design, the new café was envisioned as a symbol of industrial and progressive design, setting a trend in the region. The task was to create a landmark flagship café in the brand’s primary city, maintaining its familiar casual and everyday feel.
The client requested a space that combined coziness and everyday comfort with technological and futuristic elements. The café was designed to be functional for various scenarios, from quick business meetings and work to relaxed gatherings with friends.
materials
The café’s space features a calm color palette with accent details achieved through material shapes and textures. The centerpiece is an innovative semicircular bar over five meters long, making a strong first impression. Above the bar is a striking copper-toned ring-shaped frieze engraved with the brand’s name, enhanced by a futuristic “orbit” pipe with visitor navigation.
plan
axonometry
The café, located in a new residential area, had striking architectural features, including large concrete beams, which were left exposed and minimally finished to highlight their natural texture. The rest of the space is monochromatic but cohesive, thanks to a mix of materials: terrazzo, various wood tones, three types of plaster, and a variety of textiles, creating a “tasteful” effect.
To preserve the local identity and character, the interior incorporated ceramics and plaster resembling plains and mountains, mosaic plaster imitating sand and pebbles, as well as crafts by local artisans. Lighting fixtures made from natural wool and a decorative panel of bulrush, harvested from local plains, were carefully prepared through multiple stages of drying and treatment for use in the design.
The bar’s shape went through several iterations, with its size and appearance constantly evolving, ultimately resulting in a sloped, arched design. Along with bold new design elements, Balance Coffee introduced new menu items. The new flagship includes a zone for signature drinks and unique desserts, available exclusively at this location. These items reflect the region’s national identity, expressed in their concepts, presentation, and use of local ingredients.
wc zone ↓
↑ main hall
bar ↓
↑ separated zones
process
↓ project team
