Located in Mullae-dong, South Korea, PONT Mullae Café, designed by Studio stof, stands as a testament to adaptive reuse in the heart of Seoul’s oldest factory district. Embracing the rich history of the area while celebrating modern design, this café represents a harmonious blend of past and present.
Embracing Industrial Heritage
As Mullae-dong undergoes a transformation from a hub of traditional industry to a vibrant artistic community, PONT Mullae Café emerges as a beacon of innovation. Housed within five abandoned ironworks, the café serves as a multifunctional space, offering a blend of coffee culture, showroom displays, and educational seminars.
Bridging the Gap
Studio stof envisioned PONT Mullae Café not only as a place to enjoy specialty coffee but also as a bridge between the old and the new. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding industrial landscape, the design embraces faded wood, weathered metals, and other materials commonly found in the area, seamlessly integrating the café with its surroundings.
Spatial Harmony
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a minimalist product display area leading to a curved coffee bar, all set beneath the raw, aged ceiling of the former factory. Curved furniture strategically placed throughout the space encourages exploration, fostering a sense of connectivity within what was once five separate structures.
Honoring History
By partially exposing the original ceiling, Studio stof pays homage to the heritage of the building, honoring its rich history while infusing the space with natural light. The varied heights of the ceiling, shaped by the building’s structure, not only add visual interest but also serve as a testament to the passage of time.
Warmth and Balance
The interior of PONT Mullae Café exudes warmth and brightness, reflecting the brand’s commitment to hospitality. With an orange-toned palette and a mix of materials such as plywood, terracotta tiles, and plaster walls, the café strikes a delicate balance between old and new, preserving the essence of Mullae-dong’s industrial past while embracing its vibrant future.
In essence, PONT Mullae Café stands as a tribute to the resilience of Mullae-dong, offering a space where history and innovation converge, and where visitors can experience the unique charm of Seoul’s evolving urban landscape.
