Project: The Factory 30 Cafe
Architects: DAA Associates
Location: Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Area: 6,800 sq ft
Photography: DAA Associates
Tucked away in an unassuming industrial area of Mount Austin Johor Bahru, JWC The Factory 30 Cafe appears as an inviting red building, unmistakably the most eye-catching landmark in the mundane district.
With the bold statement of rustic-industrial style complemented with great ceiling height, this creative space reveals a series of elements such as containers, exposed pipes, iron materials and raw wood, all brilliantly incorporated into this charming cafe. In addition, the industrial mezzanine floor accommodates a larger capacity to the cafe, making efficient use of this unique space without sacrificing aesthetics.
The Cafe cleverly blends the concepts of coffee processing workshop with advocacy for coffee culture in the local community. Gunny sacks hanging from the high ceiling are reminiscent of the sweats and toil of coffee workers, whereas the state-of-the-art coffee equipments and machines epitomize the modern contemporary era where the coffee culture thrive.
The V-shaped coffee bar counter at ground floor takes center stage with its open concept design, bringing the baristas closer to the coffee lovers. Not only it encourages interactions, the customers also get a glimpse of how a gourmet coffee is handcrafted, from raw beans to the aromatic cup of coffee, in the hands of a skilled artisan. On the other side, there are containers featured as glass display, showcasing a variety of coffee machines and products. It almost feels like the most intriguing coffee museum welcoming us with a good cup of coffee, right on the spot. The Factory 30 Cafe is truly a satisfying feast for all senses.
