Located in a bustling corner of Changzhou, the newly renovated 7 Coffee and Dessert Planet, designed by Dongqi Design, is a bold and innovative space that prioritizes visual lightness and dynamic steel elements. The L-shaped plan houses a coffee bar, craft beer, and a bakery section, each with distinct design identities. The white coffee and beer space seamlessly blends with the iconic yellow branding of 7 Coffee, while the dessert area is adorned in a dramatic black palette. The dynamic interplay of steel cables, mirrored surfaces, and cleverly concealed elements creates a sense of weightlessness and visual intrigue, enhancing the overall experience.
The new 7 Coffee and Dessert Planet, designed by Dongqi Design, is located in a bustling corner of Changzhou, China. Built on the foundation of the existing location, this revamped space boasts an expanded footprint and a complete design overhaul. The interior layout takes on an L-shape, strategically dividing the space into three distinct zones: specialty coffee, craft beer, and bakery. Each zone is visually and functionally separated, creating a unique identity within the larger framework of the space. The coffee and beer areas are enveloped in a minimalist white palette, seamlessly incorporating the iconic yellow branding of 7 Coffee. In contrast, the bakery space is draped in a dramatic black palette, creating a striking visual contrast. The two distinct spaces are effortlessly connected by a wave-like edge on the suspended ceiling and a subtle division created by a steel wire curtain. The staggered ceiling heights further amplify the distinction between the zones while cleverly resolving the height differential between the new and old sections of the building. The interior embraces a sleek and modern aesthetic, using brushed stainless steel for the bar counter and select wall surfaces. The counter’s side surface gracefully slopes inward, while a series of evenly spaced steel cables, seemingly emerging from the floor, traverse the bar’s crucial load-bearing points. These cables are meticulously anchored to the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing illusion of the counter floating in mid-air. The steel cables infuse the design with an undeniable sense of strength, balancing perfectly with the inherent elegance of the structure. The coffee bar, a harmonious and meticulously crafted unit, seamlessly integrates the ice bin and cup washer into the counter surface, enhancing both functionality and visual purity. In a deliberate design decision, the coffee machine’s pump is strategically left exposed, while the water lines are discreetly concealed within the mirrored stainless steel. On the other side of the bar, where single-origin coffee is showcased, the water lines are cleverly integrated into the counter’s hollow space, further contributing to the space’s airy and weightless ambiance. A display shelf, strategically positioned for maximum visibility upon entry, is artfully suspended using a single steel cable, equidistantly connected to the floor and ceiling. The large staircase adjacent to the wall boasts a step surface finished in steel painted with 7 Coffee’s signature yellow. The underlying vertical face subtly slopes inward, while the step edge extends outward, creating a sense of lightness and delicacy akin to paper. The staircase’s vertical face is expertly camouflaged with mirrored surfaces, further amplifying the illusion of the floating staircase. The steel cable, the design’s unifying element, weaves through every detail, adding a layer of sophistication and versatility to the space. The steel wire curtain at the entrance acts as a graceful, fluttering silk skirt, welcoming guests. The cables supporting the bar counter, robust and stoic, radiate a powerful tension. The steel wire curtain separating the black and white zones, imbued with the elegance of a musical string, gracefully balances the distinct functionalities of the two spaces.
Project Information:
Architect: Dongqi Design
Location: Changzhou, China
Photography: © Dongqi Design
