Coffee Culture

Designed by M.R. Studio, local coffee roastery Cupping Room’s new location at the Hong Kong Palace Museum blends elements of traditional Chinese architecture with modern flair. Studio founder Myron Kwan tells us more about the project

Design Anthology: How did you first meet the client?

Myron Kwan: We met the client when we worked with them on their previous project, Fireside.

What was their brief to you for this project?

The client asked us to follow Cupping Room’s existing colour palette, but for this new location they wanted to integrate Chinese elements. 

The cafe is on the ground floor of the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, which exhibits artefacts from the national Palace Museum at the Forbidden City in Beijing. The museum faces Victoria Harbour and has amazing sunset views. 

How did you approach the project — what design references did you try to incorporate into the space?

We approached the interior design with the intention to blend elements of traditional Chinese architecture, philosophy and culture with a modern and elegant aesthetic.  

A black-tile wall sits the entrance of the cafe, its fluid lines and harmonious structure evoking the classical roofs of the Forbidden City. We incorporated the five elements of Chinese astrology — metal, wood, water, fire and earth — into the space with elements like plants, wooden tables and chairs, and tube-shaped metal display elements on the walls. We chose linen for the seating to create a comfortable atmosphere and add some texture to the interiors.

We also designed the cake shelf and the long table based on typical museum display cases, to make guests feel like they are in a museum cafe.

Do you have a favourite element or design detail in the interiors?

I like the bespoke ball-shaped pendants hanging from the high ceilings, which make the space look more casual. I’m also excited about the round stainless steel display elements on the walls. The inspiration came from the columns of the Forbidden City, and we used hairline stainless steel to give them a modern look.

Images / Steven Ko