Commercial

B.Low

B.Low is a listening café located within a larger mixed-use compound in the bustling district of Buah Batu, Bandung, Indonesia. The pocket-like site opens with a narrow entrance that leads to a larger multi-functional space inside. B.Lowʼs integral concept is to create an oasis with a design-sensitive experience, allowing friends to meet and discuss ideas while enjoying coffee.

The site was not a blank canvas from the start, as early design stages followed the client's request to maintain some of the existing building's main structures to maximize efficiency. The buildingʼs exoskeleton had to be demolished, keeping some of the main concrete columns, beams and roof slabs.

Although the new programs are different from those of the old building, the architecture proved flexible enough to adapt to them. Parts of the old structure became the architecture studio and construction office, while new elements formed the café and spiral staircase.

Visitors are first welcomed by an enclosed entrance, which then opens to a clean paved walkway shaded by tall perennial trees. The program starts with an architecture studio at the front, followed by the café at the heart. The third program occupies the space upstairs, a construction office reachable by a spiral staircase.

Facing the architecture studio, visitors are treated to the encounter between the curtain wall and the exposed concrete, appearing as though the building is floating.

The walkway then leads to a large courtyard belonging to the café, which serves as the main interaction hub within the space. Bound by the double-storey masses that housed the café and the construction office, and canopied by various trees, the courtyard is essentially a public space that feels tucked away.

Trees are spread across the seating area, providing natural shade to comfort visitors while inviting for gathering and interaction. The café's main structure is framed in steel and enclosed by curtain walls that also highlight interior interactions.

A spiral staircase enveloped by a massive cylindrical concrete shell is perched on the end of the floating architecture studio, connecting it to the construction office above. The exposed concrete shell recalls that of the studioʼs structure, creating distinct continuity.

Nestled on a busy downtown street, B.Low naturally experiences higher temperatures than those of the Bandung highlands. The two double-storey masses enclose the inner courtyard, filtering outside noise and heat and creating an oasis effect.

Various trees and bushes are spread around the courtyard to create a refreshing outdoor experience while the leaf canopies provide shade from the sun and reduce the surrounding temperature.