Area: 4600ft2
The site: Cityplaza, Hong Kong
Client: Maxim's Group
simplylife bakery café Cityplaza strives to be different from all other branches. The shop entrance opens up to a large seating area comprising wooden modules. Close to the entrance, rectangular wood crate seating, parasols and planters make up a casual yet intimate waiting/eating corner. Further to this seating, triangular wood box modules are combined and stacked up to various heights to form either seating platforms or planters; creating a plaza-like chill-out space for diners indoors.
Another unique setting for this simplylife café is that the main kitchen is set up openly at the store front as a focal point, where the entire productions are showcased. Through the entrance, a retail bakery display and the open kitchen are located at one side, while the dining area is on the other. As a performing stage, the open kitchen can be viewed from all seats. Moreover, to attract passers-by, two black iron box windows around 2 metres wide and 5 metres long are constructed at the façade allowing passers-by to gaze hungrily in on the action within.
Solid wood cabinets surround the open kitchen to ease the cold stainless steel equipment. A brass chef's counter is set along one side of the open kitchen, where diners can watch and enjoy the resulting dishes in one holistic experience. This exclusive seating is well lit by brown leather-wrapped table lamps, creating a rustic luxe yet homey corner.
Similar to other branches, this simplylife cafe incorporates details from European farmhouses with contemporary chic integrated within. Natural wood wall panels and wainscot, solid wood cabinetry and whitewashed plank ceiling, all invoke a refined, mid-century modern spirit while using contemporary language. Brass-coloured metal trims are introduced on chair railings and on solid wood window partitions, adding a soft glittering glamorous aesthetic. Plain upholstery banquette seating predominate in the dining area, among several 2-4 person tables providing both intimacy and cosiness. The dining area is covered with reddish brown natural timber flooring in a herringbone pattern, concocting a classic elegant space.
