Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Lusso Cafe
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: 21Gram
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 23,657
- Verification code 59BE796852 · Verify this award
About Lusso Cafe
Lusso is a cafe interior located in the skyscraper district of Seoul, Korea. The design combines natural materials with modern urban elements. Stone, brick, wood and steel form the main finishes, and these materials gain unique hues as they age and are touched by human hands. Small gardens are placed between the seating areas to offer a visual pause from city life. Curved partitions of bent steel are covered with fabric that softly diffuses light. Wooden louvers on the facade and the counter recall Eastern lattice work. The total area is 230 square meters.
Lusso Cafe by 21GRAM represents a distinguished contribution to contemporary hospitality design, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection and spatial choreography can elevate the quotidian ritual of coffee consumption into an experience of meditative refinement. The designers appear to draw upon the phenomenological tradition of space-making that honors the Japanese concept of ma, the meaningful void, while simultaneously engaging with biophilic design principles that recognize humanity's innate connection to natural systems and organic forms. The integration of living plant material within architectural concrete planters suggests an understanding of the restorative qualities that verdant elements bring to interior environments, while the careful juxtaposition of warm timber against cool stone creates a thermal and visual balance that promotes psychological equilibrium. Technical accomplishment is evident in the precision of the timber joinery, where cedar planks meet in seamless transitions that speak to craftsmanship traditions extending across centuries, and in the sophisticated lighting design that layers ambient warmth with functional task illumination. The woven wall treatment provides acoustic absorption while introducing a handcrafted textile quality that softens what might otherwise read as austere minimalism, demonstrating sensitivity to the multisensory experience of inhabiting space. The sunken garden feature, visible in the foreground, transforms what could be mere decoration into an experiential threshold, inviting patrons to transition psychologically from the urban exterior into a realm of cultivated tranquility. One might observe how the composition balances transparency and enclosure, with reeded glass panels allowing light transmission while maintaining visual privacy for the service zone, creating a layered depth that rewards continued exploration. The viewer is invited to consider how such environments shape our daily rituals, transforming functional necessity into opportunities for beauty and contemplation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- In the heart of Seoul's skyscraper district, Cafe Lusso offers a serene escape with a cup of coffee, made possible by its natural materials and design. Small gardens scattered among the seating areas allow weary eyes and minds from city life to pause for a while. The natural materials used in the finishes develop unique hues over time, and as they are touched by human hands, they gracefully reflect the passage of time in their own distinctive ways.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Whole area 230 square meters, barista counter 15.5 square meters, kitchen 20 square meters, storage 13 square meters, office 7.5 square meters, cafe 174 square meters, greenery 26 square meters.
- Tags
- Korea, Seoul, cafe, interior, coffee, wood, courtyard, oriental, 21gram, commercial, space
- Production Technology
- Lusso's challenge was to harmonize Eastern moods with modernity. The goal was to blend natural elements and Eastern sensibilities within a contemporary urban setting to create a unique space. The design of Lusso uses wood and stone to convey an Eastern and nature-friendly atmosphere, while the small gardens offer a modern reinterpretation of traditional Eastern gardens. Meanwhile, metal and sleek designs maintain a connection to the urban environment. By carefully balancing these elements, Lusso provides customers with both natural tranquility and modern sophistication, creating a comfortable retreat even amidst the cityscape.
- Design Challenge
- In addressing technical challenges, we drew inspiration from the traditional Korean village entrance, specifically the Zelkova tree that always provided cool and comfortable shade. This concept influenced the design of curved partitions and indoor gardens. The curved partitions, a small but distinctive feature of Lusso, were crafted by bending steel to create a frame covered with fabric that softly diffuses light. Designing this involved meticulous planning, especially considering the need to fit the fabric over the steel frame without seams. For the indoor garden, considerable time was spent selecting landscaping plants that are easy to maintain indoors and complement the space.
Cafe Lusso’s finishes are primarily divided into stone, brick, wood, and steel. These materials enhance the space’s character over time, with their natural and humanistic qualities. The careful combination of natural materials with steel adds lightness and practicality to the space, balancing modern sensibilities with a sense of openness and preventing any potential sense of confinement.
The facade and counter feature wooden louvers that evoke an Eastern lattice feeling, subtly concealing the kitchen equipment while maintaining a gentle sense of openness. Wood was added to the window frames to extend the louver effect, creating a connection between the seating by the windows and the exterior. This design ensures a balance between openness to the outside and privacy from others. - Project Duration
- Cafe Lusso is located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea. The project started in December 2023, and the interior work was completed in March 2024. The cafe has been operational since the construction was finished.
- Operation Flow
- Lusso aims to meet the demands of consumers seeking natural relaxation and comfort even in modern, urban environments, creating a distinction from competitors through its space design and philosophy.
Harmony of Nature and Modernity: Lusso creates a unique space by harmonizing modernity with natural elements. This strategic approach provides customers with a comfortable experience and reflects a commitment to sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials.
Interaction between Space and Customers: Lusso's space design fosters an environment where customers can naturally converse and connect. Cozy seating and small gardens encourage dialogue and social interaction centered around coffee. The space is designed to allow customers to engage in various ways, such as relaxing in the gardens or choosing from different seating arrangements. The natural elements in the space also offer psychological comfort, promoting positive interactions. - Research
- Cafe Lusso, inspired by the name of French Romantic philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, seeks to differentiate coffee and its culture through its spatial design. Situated in the modern and urban environment of Sangam-dong, Seoul, Lusso aims to provide natural relaxation and tranquility. By offering a relaxed and warm space, Lusso intends to redefine the meaning of coffee for busy urban dwellers.
The Rousseau Sangam Project strives for de-urbanization amidst the buildings of Sangam-dong, creating a space that contrasts with the urban environment. The design actively incorporates natural materials such as stone, brick, wood, and steel, and includes small gardens to create a contrasting atmosphere to the large, reinforced concrete structures symbolic of modern architecture. These natural materials add warmth and stability to Lusso's space while maintaining an eco-friendly ambiance. Wood and brick, which embrace the passage of time, foster a cozy and comfortable environment, while stone and metal maintain a connection to nature while preserving a modern aesthetic.
Small gardens placed between seating areas help to momentarily relieve the fatigue of city life, providing visual and psychological comfort. This spatial approach realizes Lusso's pursuit of 'harmony between nature and modernity,' deeply exploring the meaning of conversation and relaxation through coffee. - Inspiration
- The name "Lusso" is inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the French Romantic philosopher and coffee enthusiast known for his quest for awakening and change. Lusso seeks to avoid excessive modernity and urbanity, aiming instead to offer a natural and comfortable atmosphere. Time changes many things, adding depth to materials. While some changes can degrade and render objects unusable, others deepen over time, enhancing their richness and character.
- Image Credits
- Image #1-5: Photographer Sun-hyeok Jang, 2024
- Patents
- 21gram & coffee lusso