Oh the renovation this factory to cafe in the Netherlands speaks to me! Redesigned by Amsterdam studio Bear and Bunny the Grand Cafe Usine, is located on the ground floor of the iconic building where Philips light bulbs were once manufactured.
I love the continued use of industrial materials in the space, creating a harmony between the old and new as though Usine has been there for years. Bare concrete walls and tiled floors form the background to a collection of different lamps, with trailing flexes wound around metal frames that divide the space. An old Philips poster with an illustration of the factory surrounded by a cloud of different light bulbs with the caption: ‘Les plus grandes usines du monde’ was the inspiration for the restaurant. For the concept it was changed into: ‘Usine le plus grand cafe du monde.’ A grand cafe for everyone!
Bear and Bunny created different zones in the restaurant; an entrance, kitchen, bar, cafe, brasserie, restaurant, function room, children’s corner, shop, smoking area, office, toilets, storage and the terrace.
A large entrance was created to liaise with the existing architectural language and to get a strong sense of atmosphere. Big windows characterise the architectural aspects of the building and guarantee the interior space blends harmoniously with the outside. I want to go there!
Izz Cafe
Confiserie Sprungli
Nothing to see here
