FSW Coffee in Taipei by Phoebe Says Wow Architects combines sustainable design with an innovative layout, creating a space that redefines the coffee experience by blurring the boundaries between inside and out.
Located at the intersection of urban vibrancy and serene trails, this renovated 80-square-meter former office space blends the dynamism of a bustling commercial area with the tranquility of a hidden retreat. The design embodies a duality that caters to both the fast-paced professional and the leisurely wanderer, providing an adaptable environment that redefines what a coffee shop can be.
Challenging the traditional open-plan layout of most coffee establishments, Phoebe Says Wow Architects have created a semi-open standing bar at the front of the store. This space invites passersby to pause for a moment and savor their coffee, blurring the line between the interior and the exterior. The design takes advantage of Taipei’s humid climate by incorporating natural ventilation, allowing breezes from nearby trails to permeate the space and mingle with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. The clever use of a carved-in design minimizes the enclosed area, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and aligning the project with sustainable practices.
Privacy and exclusivity are also central to FSW Coffee's design ethos. Beyond the open bar lies an invite-only section, concealed by translucent polycarbonate panels that serve as both dividers and light diffusers. These panels, framed in painted steel, provide just enough opacity to hint at the activities behind them without fully revealing the secrets within. This design choice plays with light and shadow, creating an ever-changing canvas that engages the curiosity of street passersby and hints at the life within the shop.
The interior’s multi-functional room serves as a versatile space for coffee cupping seminars and intimate gatherings, where participants can experience the art of coffee-making in an environment that feels both open and private. The translucent panels offer a glimpse into this world, creating silhouettes that dance with the changing daylight, and invite a sense of intrigue and discovery. The overall design, with its emphasis on light, translucency, and natural materials, offers a nuanced narrative that celebrates the simplicity and complexity of the coffee experience.
