A modern version of the bohemian city cafe by architects from the studio Balbek Bureau.
Photo: Evgeny Avramenko
A team of architects led by Slava Balbek has finished work on their new project – the atmospheric cafe “Doubler” in the Pechersk district of Kiev. Being a co-owner of the institution, Balbek has developed not only an interior solution, but also the general concept of a “Stand-in”. The space breathes history: there are picturesque peeling walls and exposed brickwork, which the authors supplemented with modern art and laconic furniture.
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
”Our goal was to bring the bohemian mood of Podol to the Pechersk district, so we deliberately looked for a room in the old foundation,” says Balbek. The cafe is located on the ground floor of a 1970s house – a relic of the past, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. The architects combined the former office and apartment that used to be here and left most of the ceiling and walls “raw” — their only coating was several layers of transparent primer. The brutal aesthetics are supported by a self-leveling concrete floor, open communications under the ceiling and a partition made of concrete blocks zoning the toilet.
Photo: Evgeny Avramenko
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
The main color of the project was the natural sandy shade of old plaster and bricks. It echoes the warm tones of natural wood, from which built-in benches, countertops and tonet chairs are made; thanks to these elements, the interior becomes almost monochrome. The contrasting accent in the first hall of the cafe was a monolithic bar made of dark metal, in the second – a huge mural created by the Kiev artist graph0man. The work brings a warm blue shade to the pastel interior, which is repeated in the decoration of vintage chairs.
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
The atmosphere of the cafe is not overloaded with details, but it contains many charismatic elements. These are graphic works on the walls, and an asymmetric streamlined mirror specially created for the “Understudy”, and restored industrial lamps over a long table, and the figure of a spotted dog (vintage from Brussels) that greets visitors. In the toilet, the architects contrasted a minimalist concrete sink and a figured mixer in the shape of a swan, and placed an ironic neon inscription on the ceiling: “Let the whole world wait.”
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
YEVHENII AVRAMENKO
