Integrity Cafe

The Shinheung Market once symbolized the rough-and-tumble growth of Haebangchon, an old neighborhood in Seoul. We considered how to build a space for a young coffee brand here and decided to apply new finishes while preserving the original exterior, rather than inserting a new structure and form into the existing space. The project's goal is to tell a new story while respecting the local and environmental context. The site is very small and, as a commercial premise, has several structural and functional shortcomings. We first removed safety hazards so that users could enjoy the space without concern. At the same time, we tried not to erase or cover the traces of time and local environment, but to preserve them as markers. The main finish uses hand-finished stainless steel and Laurane plywood. These materials convey a young new brand image and contrast with the old environment. Stainless-steel doors and windows reinterpret the shape and movement of the original openings in the same positions. A new spiral staircase replaces the steep old stair. To alleviate the cramped impression and unify the space, we opened the floor slabs to connect the levels. The spiral staircase running through all floors becomes not only a circulation path but also a symbol of the space and the brand.