SSAP Coffee in Busan, South Korea by Design by 83.

Located next to Ulsan’s Grand Park in Busan, South Korea sits SSAP Coffee by Design by 83. With the client’s request for a ‘vintage and hip’ environment, the fitout weaves the heritage of the existing spatial elements into the new interior.

With sustainability at the forefront of the design, the studio sought to add to the original building only where necessary, forging a connection to the original space that will deepen over time. To this point, during the process of demolishing the inside, exposed rough concrete walls, worn-out floor tiles, and metal and glass windows were intentionally left untouched. Red is used as a focal colour for cabinets, chairs, bakery showcases and raceways where minor electric circuits pass.

The spacious layout is enhanced with minimal forms and furniture. What is introduced feels dramatically highlighted as warm wood and smooth metal materials are contrasted. This juxtaposition creates a two-sided and harmonious atmosphere with the intention to feel visual comfort and cynicism simultaneously within the vertical line of warm wood and metal. It is also designed to form an organic relationship with this space and the acrylic lighting.

The exterior blends with the original old red brick, the stretched rectangular facade creating separation and voyeuristic elements from the outside. The main door and ventilation entry are finished in zinc steel plate while folding panels for the windows are finished in birch plywood, naturally linking to the space inside.

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[Images courtesy of Design by 83. Photography by Kim Dongkyu.]