Visitors to BanShan Café are greeted by a handmade pine stick wall built by the Robot3 Design team, inspired by firewood storage techniques in Chinese villages.
A striking cement installation symbolizes the café’s mountain influence.
The café’s combination of brick and wood were a necessity of the budget, but also reflections of the natural atmosphere.
Paperboard light fixtures selected for their rustic appeal hang over a long wooden table.
Locally crafted chairs were chosen for their resemblance to Hans Wegner’s Wishbone and Cow Horn chairs.
The 12.5-foot-tall main floor is balanced thanks to the creation of a mezzanine that sits over a space that the design team dug 3 feet into the ground floor.
A cozy log cabin structure with seating offers a novel approach to the mountain motif.
The height of the mezzanine ceiling is purposefully low, encouraging guests to sit comfortably in the socially oriented space.
Plants, including golden pothos chosen for their vitality, give the café a dash of color.
The openness of the design embodies the philosophy of a “free café,” providing a laidback environment that encourages visitors to relax and enjoy the space freely.