A rotated A‑frame in Jakarta distilled through precise architectural design.
Project Overview
Bermuda Coffee and Eatery is a coffee shop in Jakarta by STUDIÉ that turns a singular geometric premise into architectural design. The building adopts a triangular A‑frame rotated 45 degrees to the street, producing distinct perspectives as visitors move around the site and aligning the project’s identity, facade strategy, and spatial sequence around one clear idea.
Approach is choreographed: a path guides visitors toward the apex of the triangle before entry, heightening the perception of the volume. This rotation and controlled reveal emphasize the building’s profile within the urban streetscape while maintaining a straightforward, functional layout inside.
Site and Urban Context
Set along an urban roadway in Jakarta, the project addresses the street with a deliberate 45‑degree rotation. The move changes the reading of the A‑frame from different vantage points and creates a forecourt that stages arrival. The walkway frames the triangular gable as a focal point, establishing a clear threshold between public sidewalk and the cafe’s domain.
Architectural Design Concept
The concept is a disciplined triangle used as form, plan, and graphic identity. By rotating the A‑frame, the architects amplify the building’s sculptural legibility and introduce a calibrated approach sequence. The shape governs decisions from glazing proportions to interior edge conditions, where tight corners are resolved with material detailing rather than additive form changes. A related profile of this Jakarta project provides additional geometric readings in context: Geometric Harmony.
Exterior view showcasing the striking triangular form and illuminated pathways of the café.
Spatial Organization
Circulation begins outside, along a linear path that orients views to the triangular elevation. Inside, seating occupies the main volume beneath the steep roofline, drawing the eye upward to the exposed framing and wood‑lined ceiling. A brick dividing wall organizes back‑of‑house functions, separating the kitchen and counter from the primary seating zone without diluting the clarity of the plan. The triangular floor plate produces acute edges; these are made usable with terrazzo infill and split‑stone detailing that regularize tight corners. Outdoor areas extend the plan with custom concrete seating and stepped platforms.
Design thinking around compact planning and multi‑use edges resonates with the space‑making approach seen in Spatial Harmony.
Interior view showcasing a spacious dining area with a high wooden ceiling and large glass windows.
Materials and Facade
Exposed concrete cladding presents the A‑frame as a monolithic shell, contrasted by custom iron frames around glazing and red printed brick used as accent and signage framing. Large glass walls at the gable and along the sides open the interior to daylight and street views. The roof is finished with shingles, reinforcing the A‑frame outline. Inside, terrazzo flooring with split‑stone detailing negotiates the geometry, while brick introduces texture and warmth against the concrete and iron palette. Comparable attention to robust, tactile materials appears in The Conservatory House.
Architectural features of the coffee shop highlighted against the evening sky.
Light, Climate, and Atmosphere
Daylight enters through expansive side and end glazing, washing the wood‑lined ceiling and moving across terrazzo surfaces during the day. In heavy rain, water gathers on the large side windows, blurring views and muting the interior—an environmental effect that shifts the atmosphere without additional decor. After dark, concealed lighting traces the exterior steps and seating, articulating the geometric profile and extending use of the outdoor areas.
The outdoor seating area with modern furniture set against the coffee shop’s angular design.
Design Highlights
- Triangular A‑frame rotated 45° to intensify street presence and stage the approach.
- Exposed concrete shell with custom iron glazing frames and shingle roof.
- Red printed brick used at the entry zone for signage and bicycle parking.
- Large side and gable glazing to draw daylight deep into the interior.
- Wood‑lined ceiling and exposed framing emphasize the steep roof volume.
- Terrazzo flooring with split‑stone detailing resolving acute plan corners.
- Brick dividing wall organizing kitchen and counter from seating.
- Concealed exterior lighting that animates steps and seating after dusk.
Key Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Bermuda Coffee and Eatery |
| Architect | STUDIÉ |
| Location | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Year | – |
| Status | Built |
| Program | Coffee shop |
| Main Materials | Exposed concrete, brick, terrazzo, iron, glass, shingles, wood (ceiling lining) |
| Keywords | architectural design, triangle architecture, modern coffee shop, exposed concrete, geometric design |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concept behind the building?
A rotated triangular A‑frame defines the form, plan, and approach sequence, creating varied street perspectives and a clear spatial hierarchy inside.
Which materials define the project?
Exposed concrete cladding, custom iron frames, red printed brick accents, large glass walls, a shingle roof, and a wood‑lined ceiling; terrazzo with split‑stone detailing resolves tight floor‑plan corners.
How does weather affect the interior experience?
During heavy rain, water and condensation on the large side windows blur views and soften light, changing the interior mood without added finishes.
How are interior functions organized?
A brick wall separates the kitchen and counter from the main seating area, maintaining a direct plan while preserving the triangular volume’s clarity.
