Modern Café Renovation: Hibrew Coffee and Cuisine by Simpul Studio in Sukajadi

A Thoughtful Architectural Transformation Rooted in Simplicity

Hibrew Coffee and Cuisine by Simpul Studio is a standout example of modern café renovation that gracefully merges architectural preservation with contemporary design. Situated in Sukajadi, Indonesia, this 204-square-meter café is the result of a comprehensive renovation of a six-year-old establishment originally operating within a residential house. Simpul Studio’s approach centers around creating an inviting, modern atmosphere without erasing the intimate familiarity that has long defined the space.

Preserving Form, Reinterpreting Character

The architectural strategy embraces the existing structure’s form, focusing instead on reinterpreting its identity. Rather than a complete overhaul, the designers introduced refined gestures—transforming the façade with transparent and semi-transparent glass elements to engage the street while maintaining privacy. The pitched roof remains a dominant feature, providing continuity with the residential context while juxtaposed with linear contemporary insertions.

This nuanced design balances the familiar silhouette of a traditional house with the clarity and sharpness of modern forms, capturing attention without overpowering the neighborhood’s fabric. The new façade invites light and interaction while ensuring that the building does not lose its humble domestic roots.

Subdued Interiors with a Sculptural Focus

Inside, the renovation embraces a subdued material palette that creates a grounded and serene spatial experience. Walls are rendered in muted greys, contrasted with glossy black ceramic flooring that reflects ambient light in subtle patterns. The ceiling, finished in natural teakwood, introduces warmth and a tactile rhythm overhead.

A key spatial highlight is the central bar counter, wrapped in small grey ceramic tiles and framed with soft circular recessed lighting. This sculptural element provides both a functional focal point and a clear identity marker for the café. Circular motifs are echoed throughout, adding a layer of playful softness to the otherwise minimal interior.

Natural Light and the Dialogue Between Indoors and Out

Daylight plays an integral role in the spatial experience of the café. Large window openings and skylights bring in natural light, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across materials. These ever-changing light patterns give a sense of time and rhythm to the interiors, enhancing the sensory richness of the space.

At the rear, the design opens into a serene courtyard with outdoor seating. Finished with andesite stone, white gravel, and raw concrete benches, the garden-like zone offers a tranquil escape that extends the café’s hospitality experience beyond the built envelope. This visual and physical connectivity between inside and outside reinforces the project’s embrace of honesty and material clarity.

A Renovation That Honors Spirit and Function

Hibrew Coffee and Cuisine stands as a thoughtful study in modern café renovation—an architectural approach that respects the past while embracing contemporary aspirations. Through careful design gestures and a restrained palette, Simpul Studio has preserved the soul of the original establishment while imbuing it with renewed energy. The space resonates with quiet sophistication, where customers are welcomed into a place that feels both fresh and familiar.

This renovation is not just about style—it is about meaning, memory, and modern functionality. Hibrew Coffee and Cuisine is a testament to how architecture can transform not by erasing, but by listening, respecting, and reimagining.

All Photographs are works of  Tristan Salim