INSIDE guangzhou coffee shop is a maze of oriented strand board

r-bas transforms a compact space

INSIDE Guangzhou, a gin bar and coffee shop located in Pazhou, China, is a unique example of transforming a compact space with clever interior design. Faced with a small area and a tight budget, architecture studio R-BAS created a dynamic interior that caters to the community’s needs. The team’s approach focused on maximizing functionality and encouraging relaxation and social interaction.

images © ZCStudio

a flexible bar & coffee shop for the community

The design brief for INSIDE Guangzhou called for the creation of a bar and coffee shop that would function as a hub for the community. The architects at R-BAS envisioned a semi-self-service beverage space that would encourage customers to feel comfortable and use the interiors flexibly. Environmental psychology played a key role in the design process. The aim was to create a layout that would evoke laid-back emotions and encourage positive interactions among visitors. This focus on flexibility allows the space to adapt to diverse social behaviors, transforming from a casual daytime workspace to a lively gathering spot in the evenings.

INSIDE Guangzhou is a unique gin bar and coffee shop that transforms a compact space

the multifunctional landscape in OSB

The INSIDE Guangzhou coffee shop and bar can be recognized immediately by its large, multilayered wooden furniture structure that meanders through the space. This sculptural element serves multiple purposes, functioning as tables, seating, cabinets, flooring, and countertops. The design creates a continuous and dynamic environment, with the different configurations of the wooden blocks offering a variety of uses and fostering a sense of freedom. By changing how the furniture is used, the space can be easily transformed to suit the needs of the moment.

To complement the sculptural wooden element and maximize the visual interest of the space, R-BAS opted for simple and bright-colored materials throughout the interior. A finish of oriented strand boards is raw, unpolished to further emphasize the relaxed and casual atmosphere. Meanwhile, the ceiling is designed in the style of an art gallery to draw attention upwards and illuminate the compact room.

the ceiling design mimics an art gallery, illuminating the café from above

the design encourages a sense of relaxation and fosters social interaction
a large, sculptural wooden structure finished in OSB serves multiple purposes within the space