Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Craftsmanship Cafe
by Kai-Wei Liu - Sinnie Design
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Sinnie Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 24,053
- Verification code 932957C380 · Verify this award
About Craftsmanship Cafe
Craftsmanship is a cafe interior located in Taiwan. The project converts a former warehouse into a dining space of 165.2 square meters. The layout includes a counter, a seating area, a sofa area and a bar area. Retired machinery from the earlier years of the brand is displayed as decor. Steel beams in the gable roof are combined with warm wood accents, and conduits along the beams support lighting and air circulation. Concrete, steel and iron are left with minimal finishing. Six skylights bring in natural light. Guiding lines on the floor connect the ordering area with the dining area.
*Craftsmanship Cafe* emerges from the tradition of adaptive reuse architecture that has transformed industrial heritage structures into vital contemporary social spaces, honoring the memory of manufacturing while enabling new forms of gathering and craft practice. SinnieDesign appears to have approached this conversion with remarkable sensitivity to the existing building's tectonic character, preserving and celebrating the exposed steel framework, timber ceiling construction, and generous volumetric proportions that speak to the structure's industrial origins. The design demonstrates sophisticated understanding of material dialogue, establishing conversation between the warm organic presence of aged timber planking overhead and the cool mineral surfaces of polished concrete below, mediated by the neutral steel structural elements that occupy the middle register. The retention of substantial industrial machinery as sculptural centerpiece suggests a curatorial sensibility, positioning heritage artifacts not merely as decorative objects but as meaningful connectors to the site's productive history, inviting contemplation of craft traditions that span from mechanical manufacturing to contemporary artisanal coffee preparation. The floor treatment proves particularly inventive, employing white-painted circulation markings that reference factory floor wayfinding systems while creating a contemporary graphic layer that activates the horizontal plane as both functional surface and visual composition. Lighting strategy demonstrates nuanced understanding of atmospheric control, harvesting natural daylight through clerestory openings while maintaining the dramatic shadow play that gives industrial volumes their characteristic presence. The bar counter's monolithic concrete form anchors human-scale activity within the grand spatial envelope, its horizontal extension providing counterpoint to the dominant vertical rhythm of structural columns. Material finishes throughout maintain honesty and restraint, allowing the inherent qualities of concrete, steel, and timber to speak without excessive refinement or decorative overlay. One might observe how the space achieves that rare balance between reverence for industrial heritage and confident contemporary intervention, creating an environment that feels both historically grounded and presently vital. How might visitors experience the dialogue between the massive preserved machinery and the intimate ritual of coffee preparation, both celebrations of human craft across different eras?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project emphasizes preserving the original features while enhancing functionality and aesthetics. The design features a sharp industrial style with traditional machinery as decor. Steel beams in the gable roof balance cold metallic tones with warm wood accents. EMT conduits run along the beams, reinforcing the industrial look while improving lighting and air circulation. The designer also incorporated guiding lines on the flooring and bright green exterior walls to attract attention. Intricate design elements enhance the space's appeal, boosting brand visibility and encouraging customers to linger.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The site is 165.2 square meters and includes a counter, seating area, sofa area, and bar area.
The venue is made up of a storage room and a freezer. The layout is divided into an ordering area and a dining area. A guideline on the floor connects the two areas, increasing efficiency. In the center of the space and the seating area, machines that have been served are displayed so that customers can observe the history of the space while enjoying their food, creating an interactive and exploratory experience. - Tags
- Old House, Warehouse, Old House Renovation, Industrial Style, Cafe, Open Plan, Metal, Succession.
- Production Technology
- Concrete, steel, and iron elements emphasize a raw aesthetic and durability. Most of the walls are left with minimal finishing, allowing the natural textures of the materials and their eco-friendly characteristics to convey the deep-rooted presence of the brand in the local community. The color scheme, featuring shades of gray, green, silver, and black, presents a clean and sharp industrial style. The green logo stands out prominently against the gray background, while warm lighting enhances the appeal of the food, making it look especially appetizing.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge of the project was remodeling the roof, which originally featured cement tiles. The designer wanted to increase natural light, so he planned six skylights. However, maintaining the waterproofing and stability of the cement tiles while adding windows proved difficult. To solve this, the designer implemented a special structural method to support the windows, ensuring the aluminum frames seamlessly integrated with the tiles. Additionally, a careful drainage system was designed to prevent water leakage and accumulation, preserving the roof's functionality.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in May 2023 in Taiwan.
- Operation Flow
- From the owner's perspective, the restaurant is shaped by the passing of the baton, with vintage machines from the previous generation evoking deep emotions. Though retired, these machines retain their indelible value. The open layout allows the owner to witness customers' reactions, from surprise to enjoyment. For patrons, the space's mix of old and new, along with guiding lines on the floor, creates an engaging experience. The cozy, comfortable atmosphere makes the cafe a unique and iconic spot in the area.
- Research
- The project, named 'Craftsmanship,' honors the legacy of the brand's founder while reinventing the space for a new generation. The designer preserves the original structure, blending the industrial style's simplicity and ruggedness with multifunctional aesthetics. Retired machinery is used as decor, evoking history. The flooring guides customers' movements, enhancing the space's functionality. Cement, steel, and iron highlight the industrial style's durability, while the gray, green, silver and black color scheme creates a clean, simple visual. Warm lighting fosters a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration comes from the fusion of tradition and innovation. The site was originally a warehouse, and the brand has been operating locally for over 75 years. As it transitions to a new generation, the owner seeks to preserve the pioneering spirit of the first generation while embracing modern trends. The designer chose an industrial theme, repurposing the existing machinery to blend memories with contemporary style, creating a cafe that is rich in both storytelling and modernity.
- Image Credits
- Sinnie Design
Colors of Craftsmanship Cafe
Get Craftsmanship Cafe
Heart-Centered Interior Design for Commercial Spaces
We transform commercial spaces by connecting past and present through thoughtful design. Our award-winning approach blends industrial aesthetics with functional innovation, creating memorable environments that honor heritage while embracing modernity.
G0E23 Shop