梅拉咖啡店丨俄罗斯

COFFEE SHOP | BUYNAKSK | 65M2

To stand out in the cultural landscape. Amid the colorful signs and diverse buildings, we wanted to create a location in the style of two cultures. References to Eastern influences are found in the richness of the materials, and to Western influences in the principles of permeability and minimalist forms.

In many ways, the concept originated with the work on the facade. The designed space is part of an elongated pavilion housing other shops and cafes. Our building needed to stand out against this backdrop. The best approach to achieving this was the minimalist, Scandinavian-style cladding of light brick, laid in two directions. The resulting cleanliness and order, combined with inserts of bright red, evoking the dunes, brought the facade to the forefront.

The light-colored volumes and the red accents that burst into them extend from the façade into the interior. Here, the combinations become more multifaceted: the simplicity and purity are enhanced by stainless steel elements, while the warmth of the red is supported by wood and the fabric structure above the bar.

The idea of ​​warm and cold contrasts, their balance and contradiction, was our defining theme. It inspired numerous solutions that unlocked the potential of this small coffee shop.

INSPIRATION

The mosaic in the concrete floor references modernist architecture. This idea is further expanded by the steel lamps and furniture. Vertical mirror stripes cut through the monolithic wall sections, adding a dynamic touch.

On the other side, the interior is punctuated by pops of red, scattered across tables, mirrors, and chairs. The bar, thanks to a vibrant backdrop, becomes the focal point. Its intensity is tempered by the fabric structure above, which introduces Asian motifs and seems to cover the ultra-minimalist steel cube.

Functionally, it was important to create open, permeable bar and seating areas. This way, while sitting with a cup of coffee, you can gaze out onto the street. And while walking past the cafe, you can grab a takeaway coffee through the window.

01 - Main area

02 - Bar and kitchen

03 - Staff zone

04 - WC

05 - Prayer room

06 - Open terrace

However, to ensure that people with different preferences feel comfortable in the coffee shop, we've created a more private seating area. It's hidden from the main dining area—perfect for a quick work session or a book. Privacy also extends to the staff and restroom areas—the passages are discreetly concealed by curtains.

We also developed a corporate identity for this project—dynamic and invigorating, like the red elements in the interior and a cup of coffee in the morning. The project's name, Mera, was born from the identity concept. After all, to make delicious coffee, you need to know the perfect proportions and how to measure them.

Now the project is complete and has become a popular and memorable landmark on the map of Buinaksk. Which is very valuable for us, because even small places change the environment.

Project Team:

Maria Ulyanova

Valeria Komratova

Yulia Vokueva

Anastasia Struchkova

Thanks for watching