The architectural office DIA – Dittel Architekten designed and realised a modern coffee bar in Tübingen for the Primo Espresso brand, which stands for high-quality coffee, an Italian lifestyle and a sustainable mind-set. In the spirit of this philosophy, an authentic interior design concept with natural materials and dedication to detail was created. The cafe was integrated into the Zinser fashion store as part of a major conversion and opened in September 2016.
Located in the pedestrian zone, it not only attracts people from the outside but also creates value for the store’s retail customers. The continuous glass façade reveals a warm atmosphere to passers-by which – in a symbiosis of light and material – makes them want to enjoy a coffee.
The concept places the service counter at a central location, because this is where the processes of the cafe’s operations come together. This core function makes it a formative element that integrates all materials. Inspired by the traditional coffee house culture, ceramic tiles in the chessboard pattern highlight the more than 10-metre-long lshaped counter. The latter is clad in whitened oak slats, creating a natural colour spectrum with a lively effect. The shape and material of the carcass are finished off with a massive wooden top and an inserted glass display case. The suspended black steel shelves in the background have the charm of untreated materials and provide an effective contrast to the soft colours of the organically shaped ceramic tiles.
The cafe area is divided by means of vertically arranged wooden slats which provide a reference to the structure of the counter and a view of the sales area. The visitor can choose to sit on an raised platform with a view of the outside, in comfortable leather chairs in the lounge corner or in the interior of the room for a social get-together. A thematically adapted ceiling element with unusual catenary lights supports the cosy atmosphere. Golden accents in the lights take up the packaging design of the products and represent the exquisite coffee culture. The robust appearance of the wood-branded logo stands for craftsmanship and nature.
