Reimagining Tradition: eert Mangwon Cafe
Situated in Mangwon-dong, a rapidly evolving residential complex on the cusp of a new commercial era, eert Mangwon Cafe finds its home in a building with a rich history dating back to 1974. Over the years, this building has undergone numerous expansions and transformations, necessitating structural reinforcement to adapt to the changing landscape.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Change
Originally comprising three separate commercial shops on the ground floor and a family home on the second floor—typical of the architecture in Mangwon-dong—the building presented a unique canvas for eert’s vision of an experimental urban oasis. Balancing the demands of modern commerce with a reverence for the building’s heritage, our design aimed to seamlessly integrate the old with the new.
A Tale of Three Spaces
The ground floor, once home to disparate shops, now houses three distinct areas: an information and packaging space, a tea brewing area, and a coffee brewing area. Leveraging the existing spatial configuration, each zone boasts its own unique finishes and layout, paying homage to the neighborhood’s tradition of small-scale commerce.
Fostering Connection and Creativity
Central to the ground floor design is a long communal table, reminiscent of Eert’s zen garden, serving as a focal point for connection and creativity. Strategically positioned wall lights illuminate the coffee and tea making process, inviting patrons to engage in a multisensory experience that blends tradition with innovation.
Elevating Comfort and Community
Ascending to the second floor, visitors discover a sanctuary of comfort and conviviality. By removing unnecessary walls and embracing an open-plan layout, we transformed the space into a versatile area for relaxation and socializing. Structural elements that once served a purely utilitarian purpose now double as decorative features, enhancing the cafe’s ambience.
Harmonizing Familiarity with Novelty
Drawing inspiration from domestic interiors, we curated surface finishes that evoke a sense of homecoming while sparking curiosity. From intricately carved floorboards to creatively repurposed sash frames, every detail contributes to eert’s distinctive atmosphere—a harmonious blend of the familiar and the unexpected.
Conclusion
eert Mangwon Cafe stands as a testament to the transformative power of design, breathing new life into a historic building while honoring its storied past. By seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, we have created a space where patrons can savor moments of tranquility amidst the vibrant energy of Mangwon-dong’s evolving landscape.
