Kafe Dua Botol

Lab Two Design

Short description

Small Craft Beer Bar – A "Nostyle" Design
The restaurant industry is currently experiencing a wave of "Instagram-worthy" trends. Both restaurants and bars are investing heavily to capitalize on this phenomenon, and designers are working hard to create unique, immersive environments. These aim to leave a lasting impression and drive organic word-of-mouth promotion. Naturally, we’ve embraced this trend. To stand out while maintaining originality, we intentionally abandoned mainstream styles and adopted a “nostyle” approach to create this small craft beer bar, offering customers a refreshing and memorable experience.

Architectural Design
Constructed from entirely repurposed materials, the bar’s structure reflects raw authenticity and sustainability. Discarded wheel rims serve as foundational supports, while steps were reconstructed using old wooden staircases. Exterior walls were made from rusty grating panels and old oil drums, and the roof from used corrugated iron sheets. Rather than using standard aluminium frames, we selected old “kampung glass” louver windows for the right front facade, and large folding windows on the left for enhanced ventilation and openness. An extra small window was added to reduce the enclosed feel. The door is crafted from a discarded signboard with an old air pump as its handle. Above the door, a chemical barrel with an internal light source functions as the shop’s main signage. Inside, recycled wood panels finished with paint line the floors and walls.

Exterior and Interior Decoration
To soften the industrial tone of the exterior, lush green plants were placed outside to emphasize the importance of greenery. The rear wall features two beetles cut from reclaimed iron sheets, decorated with geometric patterns. Outdoor lighting uses vintage-style Edison bulbs to evoke nostalgia. Inside, the design is eclectic and layered, combining vintage black-and-white TVs, retro sofas, telephones, table lamps, and semi-abstract paintings. Everyday objects from different cultures are arranged densely yet thoughtfully, creating a sense of organized chaos. Geometric patterns run across ceilings, floors, walls, and cabinets, resulting in a visually stimulating atmosphere within the limited space.

Furniture Design
All guest seating is constructed from discarded materials. Table tops are crafted from polished oil drum lids, while the legs were repurposed from old metal frames to ensure durability. Chairs and benches were sourced from second-hand shops, then reworked for comfort and stylistic cohesion. Each furniture piece was carefully processed to retain its character while gaining renewed life and function. This approach not only extended the utility of discarded objects but gave them artistic and emotional resonance.

Functionality and Layout
Despite being only 240 square feet, the bar is fully equipped. Key features include two three-door beer chillers, a bar counter with a double-bowl sink, a refrigerator, a water dispenser, a cash register, and a designated photo spot for guests. Cleverly designed hidden storage ensures the space remains tidy and visually clean without sacrificing functionality. The layout prioritizes fluid circulation and usability without compromising aesthetics.

Environmental Philosophy
At the core of this project is a strong environmental message. Every discarded material used in construction and decor has been given a second life. Wherever possible, we preserved the original characteristics of these items, allowing visitors to recognize their past identities. This design approach communicates the importance of recycling, inspiring others to think creatively about sustainability. By transforming what was once considered waste into something functional and beautiful, this project raises awareness of eco-conscious design and promotes a culture of reuse in the face of rapid urban consumption.