Crimson Cup, an Ohio based chain coffee shop operating since 2016 has recently opened its fifth outlet at Gulshan Avenue. Team Protibimbo Architects was assigned for the design and execution of its new outlet that is rustic in ambience and gives a sense of cosy and comfortable atmosphere.
The site being located at the rear side of the ground floor of the building created few challenges as well as some advantages while designing. The curtain glass of the west and the south façade creates the opportunity of a clear view of the exterior lawn from every angle of the coffee shop.
The outdoor lawn is used as a smoking zone because of having no dedicated smoking zone room like the other outlets. The layout is prepared with an open-plan concept and highest priority is given to a minimalistic style to ensure the originality of the space, as well as the uncluttered plan, dignifies the spacious ambience.
While entering into the outlet, one can feel the openness of a coffee shop without any visual obstruction of the exterior lawn. A sophisticated mood is tried to be created that permits the customers to perceive the potentiality of the space. Free flow of space and the appropriate use of furniture arrangement with usefulness and straightforwardness are the key design ideas.
“The construction phase took almost twenty days to implement. Maximum effort was given to come up with the excellent workmanship considering the deadline. Double and single-seater Chesterfield sofas are placed at the west and south side respectively to enjoy the outdoor scenario,” says the design team. “Central space is occupied with casual coffee chairs and tables.
A pair of wing-back sofa is also kept at one corner to get some privacy. The counter with white raw brick and the high glossy top is designed meticulously to maintain the proper functional flow from the order taking area to the serving area. The bar tools on the side of the counter act as the gossiping zone”.
The display wall is the main point of attraction of the coffee shop in which the Dhaka city map is engraved on a rustic painted surface where the locations of Crimson Cup outlets are highlighted with the red-coloured-cup logo. The white raw brick surface is kept on both sides of the map wall to give it a feel of canvas. The colour palette of the overall design is dark toned. Using finishing materials such as wood and steel, the consistency of the whole concept is emphasized.
The wooden texture is sensibly used at various elements of the project. The colour contrast of the Chesterfield sofas is also responsible for bringing a vibrant ambience. A combination of black and dark red oxide colour is used on the crisscross metallic panelling on the column. The ceiling is painted black with fully exposed VRF and electrical ducts.
In the case of lighting, warm colour is highly preferred. Pendant light shades are used on the sofa seating area, whereas the hanging extra-warm filament bulbs are used at the central seating area. The circulation space is boldly defined by the hanging ceiling, where mild spotlights are used.
Track channel lights are used for highlighting the wall and panelling surfaces. The site being located at the rear side and as well at the ground floor, the direct daylight doesn’t hit the clear west façade which creates a soothing environment.
Architect Profile
Protibimbo Architects is an architectural consultancy firm, officially run by a group of young and energetic architects striving to design contemporary architecture and interior design since 2017. Within this span of years, they have completed a few opulent projects and further proceeding for augmenting the list.
Asrar Hossain and Ashfaque Hossain, the designers of the Crimson Cup project are the Managing Partners of Protibimbo Architects along with the other two partners.
Protibimbo Architects is an architectural consultancy firm, officially run by a group of young and energetic architects striving to design contemporary architecture and interior design since 2017. Within this span of years, they have completed a few opulent projects and further proceeding for augmenting the list. Asrar Hossain and Ashfaque Hossain, the designers of the Crimson Cup project are the Managing Partners of Protibimbo Architects along with the other two partners.
