The interior of a coffee shop designed by VSHD features large irregular stone blocks, a coffee bar, made of solid blocks of different kinds of marble, and curved ceiling to evoke natural environment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Named Orijins Coffee Shop, the 105-square-metre space incorporates natural elements and minimal furniture pieces with grey-colored palette creating a sleek coffee shop. 

The project is located on the street level of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and draws inspiration from the beautiful imperfections found in nature. 

The design is conceived as simple in form and enriched with texture and materials, the design of the café showcases the beauty that can be found in a sparsely decorated space of muted plaster and opaque creamy hues.

As the studio explains, the design borrows their subdued colors from natural elements such as sand, shells, stone, and wood. 

"In the absence of a rich use of décor, visitors are instead prompted by the forms that bring the space to life, such as the curved volumes in the ceiling, which provide a feeling of calm and grounding," said VSHD. 

According to the studio, the space exudes a rich amalgamation of contrasts: while the large blocks of uneven stones dominate the interior, the slender lightweight metal furnishings, the subtle curvaceous elements, and the muted colors expand the feeling of the space.

A coffee bar made of solid blocks of different kinds of marble complement the other elements. As a whole, this beautifully constructs a curved shape - an unusual structure for a typical coffee bar - adds itself a dreamy and raw form to the light and airy space.

The studio puts great focus into incorporating a mix of textures and materials, according to the practice, all elements with minimal color define the softness and rigidity of the space at the same time. 

Of note are the textiles - fur, boucle, and heavy weaves - used to complement the raw natural concept and sculptural quality of the design and resulting space.

The main inspiration for the café is derived from the natural world, and from a collection of stones picked up from the shores of the red sea. 

Nature takes up the role here, but it does so innovatively, as the studio noted. 

"Just as the natural light gently beams through the space, leaving an array of shadows on the plastered earthy walls, the close observer will also notice the almost enigmatic influence of technology," the studio added. 

"A very slim LED strip, located along the length of the space, showcases a gentle arch in the ceiling." 

The team puts a small spotlight that illuminates the bar area and adds a bespoke wall light designed by the studio, and is made in brushed aluminum that ever so subtly decorates the sparse space.

As the studio describes, the interior space "offers the sanctitude of an ancient chapel". Minimalist interiors reveal a rare beauty found through the magic of opaque hues and rich natural materials. 

The design of the coffee shop represents the vision of VSHD, and belief in the beauty of imperfection, and the humility and integrity that comes from living in tune with imperfect nature.

"Orijins represents the design firm’s interpretation of what it means to be calm, to sit still, and to observe the beauty that can be found even in our flawed, everyday reality," added the office.

With this project, the studio aimed "to create an environment that is as close to nature as possible." "It’s the feeling of calm and serenity one gets when sitting on a rock by the sea or sand in the desert," the team said.

Relentless sketching of abstract shapes and volumes fosters a feel of rocks shaped by the force of nature. 

Taking a very innovative approach to the layout of the coffee bar, the studio sketched the shape of the 7 marble blocks by hand and converted them into 3-D models.

Later, they were shaped in a CNC machine to produce the abstract forms, creating a sanctuary mood with muted textures, organic shapes, and earthy hues.

The shell of the space was the canvas for those abstract volumes, with its curved walls with grains and textures, bringing the whole feel back to nature. This overall mood is simply calm, and it is what keeps the coffee flowing and the lines of coffee lovers outside of the coffee bar queuing to be seated.

Dubai-based interior design firm VSHD is known for its minimalist interiors that are informed by nature. 

The firm previously completed the interiors of a wellness and beauty spa center in Dubai and created an "underground feeling" for a gym in Dubai. 

VSHD was founded in Dubai in 2007 by interior architect, Rania Hamed. VSHD Design is a multiple award-winning interior architecture firm renowned for the style, functionality, quality, and attention to detail of its projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, London, Amman, and Florida.

Project facts

Name of Project: Orijins Coffee Shop

Designer: VSHD

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Area: 105 m2

Lead Designer: Rania M Hamed

Senior Designer: Arianna Cardin

Project Manager: Bryan Miranda

All images © Oculis Project

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