Kopi Rona by Wanawa Studio reinterprets the everyday ritual of coffee into a compact architectural form, where a folded facade generates a new visual identity without losing its original essence. Located in Banten on a 145 m² site, the project sits within a dense urban neighborhood characterized by high visibility and limited spatial depth. The client envisioned a coffee shop that is both distinctive and approachable—capable of attracting attention while supporting efficient daily operations. The primary challenges lay in the compact footprint, budget limitations, and the need to establish a strong architectural presence within a visually saturated commercial environment.
The design adopts a modern minimalist approach, emphasizing clarity of form, horizontal layering, and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Central to the concept is the transformation of a familiar image into architecture: a folded form that creates a new facade expression while retaining its original identity. This gesture introduces depth and rhythm, allowing the building to shift in appearance through light and shadow.
The facade is articulated through a series of vertical fin walls derived from the philosophy of coffee-making elements—coffee beans, filter paper, and cups—which are abstracted and split into layered components. These fins act as both symbolic representation and environmental response, filtering sunlight and enhancing thermal comfort. A cavity wall system with circular perforation patterns further enriches the facade, providing ventilation, texture, and an additional layer of visual complexity.
The building mass is arranged in a multi-level configuration with pronounced overhangs that create shaded transitional spaces while reinforcing a sense of openness. A sculptural element anchors the front, serving as a visual marker and guiding movement into the interior. Inside, the spatial organization follows a clear and efficient sequence from entrance to service counter and seating areas, ensuring smooth circulation within a limited area. The outdoor space is treated as an extension of the interior, allowing natural light and air to shape the user experience. This integration supports a relaxed atmosphere while responding to the tropical climate. Spatial zoning is achieved through subtle level changes and furniture placement, maintaining openness without sacrificing comfort.
Material selection reinforces the project’s calm and timeless character. Exposed concrete provides a strong and honest architectural expression, balanced by warm wood finishes and transparent glass. In the roastery area, glass block is introduced to allow diffused natural light while maintaining privacy and thermal stability, creating an atmosphere suited to production activities. The use of neutral tones enhances the overall sense of simplicity, while precise construction detailing ensures clean material transitions and long-term durability.
The result is a space that accommodates both quick visits and longer stays, supporting varied patterns of use throughout the day. By carefully balancing function, materiality, and spatial experience, Kopi Rona offers a refined interpretation of a neighborhood coffee shop.
