Yuka Cafe, located in the bustling heart of Kuantan, is a unique and aesthetic cafe designed to cater to young working professionals seeking a tranquil environment for deep-focus work, a cup of rich coffee in hand. This project embodies our take on modern Japanese minimalism with a dry garden concept, blending hardscape elements and curated landscaping. However, the cafe has recently evolved to serve as a chic western delicacies restaurant under the name “Dua by Lebak.”
Concept & Inspiration
The design philosophy behind Yuka Cafe draws from the Zen-inspired essence of a Japanese dry garden. The aim was to create an ambiance that fostered calmness and focus—a quiet escape within the urban landscape of Kuantan. The space’s composition was meticulously planned to feature clean lines, simple furnishings, and a restrained color palette, utilizing natural materials like stone, gravel, and wood. The essence of minimalism was brought into the furniture and decor, using neutral colors to enhance the sense of space and focus, while touches of greenery added a refreshing contrast.
Design Highlights
Japanese Dry Garden Concept
At the core of the cafe’s aesthetic is the Japanese-inspired dry garden that encapsulates serenity. We carefully arranged rocks, sand, and sparse greenery in strategic placements, echoing the minimalist beauty of Zen gardens and creating a sense of space and tranquility.
Functional Hardscaping
The interior design incorporated extensive use of hard surfaces, from stone-topped tables to concrete floors, lending the cafe a sleek, contemporary look. However, these materials also brought forth an acoustic challenge.
Outdoor Seating
Aiming to draw in the active, health-conscious crowd, we introduced an outdoor seating area to attract joggers and passersby. The addition created a welcoming frontage that encouraged engagement with the surroundings, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Challenges & Solutions
Echo Due to Hard Surfaces
With so many hard materials, the initial setup produced noticeable echo, creating an acoustical issue that disrupted the serene atmosphere we envisioned. Our team addressed this challenge by installing fabric elements at ceiling level. These not only softened the sound but also harmonized well with the Japanese-inspired design. The installation balanced aesthetics with function, ensuring a peaceful, undisturbed space for patrons.
Excessive Heat at the Outdoor Area
The outdoor seating area, facing west, was subject to direct sunlight during the late afternoon, making it uncomfortable for customers. To address this, bamboo blinds were added to the facade, providing essential shade without compromising the visual appeal. These blinds, aligned with the Japanese design, maintained the aesthetic while ensuring comfort for guests who sought a shaded spot to unwind.
Today, Yuka Cafe has evolved into “Dua by Lebak,” a western delicacies restaurant that preserves the original design essence while catering to a broader audience. The transformations and adjustments made to the space ensure an inviting and peaceful atmosphere that aligns with the new dining experience offered. The Japanese dry garden concept remains, enhancing the visual appeal and giving patrons an immersive experience that blends cultural aesthetics with modern comforts.
Yuka Cafe, now Dua by Lebak, stands as a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that are not only visually captivating but also designed with attention to the customer experience. The project highlights our adaptability in addressing design challenges to achieve a refined, high-quality result that resonates with our clients and patrons alike.
