Hui Designs designed the 70-seat Neptune restaurant with a friendly, neighbourhood atmosphere inspired by Melbourne's suburban sidewalk cafes.
The venue was launched by the owners of a string of popular cafes, including Atlas Coffeehouse in Singapore.
Photographs by Khoo Guo Jie
The Neptune by Hui Designs is a 70-seat eatery, located at the end of a row of shophouses, giving it a distinct presence. The venue was launched by the owners of a string of popular cafes, including Atlas Coffeehouse in Singapore. Lim, the designer, maximised the potential of the location by installing large windows that are articulated with mullions and softened with chamfered edges, bringing in plenty of natural light. Inside, benches line the walls, while outside, there is ample al fresco seating that connects well with the streetscape.
Lim's approach is to always embrace the site. The corner unit is fronted by the busy East Coast Road and also faces a quieter adjacent street leading to a residential area. She aimed to create a sidewalk cafe vibe, like those found in the suburbs of Melbourne. Her vision was for the eatery to have a neighbourhood, friendly atmosphere where local residents could see themselves hanging out.
A palette of sage green colours the window mullions and mosaic tiles that cover the floor and climb up the walls. The tiles are similar to those found in old-world kopi tiams (local coffee shops).
Lim requested monochromatic sheets that came without the usual flecked patterns to give a modern look to the interior design with the mosaic tiles, while still localising the design.
At the back, the coffee counter is clearly defined as a box. Tubular elements in burnt orange make the space a focal point, and the exposed timber framework alludes to the woodwork in classical Japanese architecture. The graphic language of these orange elements is echoed in the black ceiling lights, while three-dimensional circular sconces add a playful touch of geometry. The dining chairs are custom-designed, borrowing the classic lines from vintage chairs, and the natural timber bodies keep with the theme.
Siew Hui Lim is the brainchild behind Hui Designs and has over 18 years of International interior design experience. Hui has worked on a wide range of projects including restaurants, bar, high end residential and hotel spaces.
Hui Designs Instagram: @huidesigns
Hui Designs Website: huidesigns.squarespace.com
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