Harudot: A Unique Café Experience
Nestled in Chonburi, Thailand, Harudot by Nana Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to collaboration and creativity in architectural design. Crafted by IDIN Architects, this café intertwines Japanese-inspired aesthetics with a profound connection to nature, offering visitors a memorable and immersive experience.
Conceptualization and Collaboration
Harudot, meaning “Spring” and “Starting Point” in Japanese, embodies the essence of new beginnings and growth. The café is the brainchild of a collaboration between Nana Coffee Roasters and a landlord passionate about distinctive plant forms. The architects sought to encapsulate this unique partnership by integrating elements of the landlord’s identity into the design, emphasizing growth and rejuvenation.
Architectural Expression
Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, the café’s exterior features sleek black gable forms juxtaposed against warm pine wood interiors. As guests enter, the space unfolds with graceful curves, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. The building’s massing is broken into smaller segments, each punctuated by voids that allow trees to ascend towards the sky, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Seamless Integration with Nature
The design ethos of Harudot revolves around harmonizing with nature. Void spaces within the architecture enable natural elements like rain and sunlight to filter through, fostering a sense of connection with the surrounding environment. Barrisol stretch ceilings mimic these voids indoors, diffusing soft lighting and creating a tranquil ambiance.
Thoughtful Details and Craftsmanship
Every aspect of Harudot’s design reflects meticulous attention to detail. The seating arrangement, resembling a continuous ribbon, promotes spatial continuity, while outdoor seating crafted from resin and natural materials reinforces the café’s coffee-centric theme. Custom-designed fonts and signage, inspired by circular motifs and the spring season, add a playful yet sophisticated touch to the space.
Playful Connections and Hidden Gimmicks
The café’s terrazzo floor serves as a canvas for creative expression, with circular floor separations adorned with embedded quotes and whimsical flower petal patterns. This interplay of design elements creates a delightful experience for visitors, inviting them to uncover hidden surprises as they navigate the space.
Harudot by Nana Coffee Roasters transcends the traditional café experience, offering patrons not only exceptional coffee but also a journey of discovery through innovative architecture and thoughtful design.