The two-storey residence had already undergone a faithful restoration two years previously involving preserving its original architectural character. Aurora Design was brought in not only to reimagine the interior and programmatic layout but furthermore retain the integrity of the property’s historical framework. The original siheyuan layout—comprising a central courtyard flanked by the main hall and side rooms—was kept intact around which a series of layered zones offering a variety of experiences are organised.

On the ground floor, the courtyard serves as both a spatial anchor and a social hub, with seating scattered throughout to extend the café’s atmosphere into the open air. To the north, the entrance hall houses a compact bar counter ideal for a quick coffee, while outside, two built-in benches offer a resting spot for pedestrians along the picturesque alley. Constructed from wood and glass brick—a bold material pairing executed with subtlety and restraint—this outdoor seating exemplifies Aurora Design’s balancing act, mediating between the café’s serene interior and the street’s urban pulse.

Upstairs, elongated rooms on the east and west wings have been transformed into intimate, semi-private lounges complete with wood stoves, while slender loggias have been fitted with counter seating. These offer guests a moment of quietude beneath the eaves, where drinks can be enjoyed while gazing into the courtyard below.

Wood is the defining material throughout the venue comprising exposed beams, columns, and rafters framing every space, and establishing a rich visual and tactile rhythm. This is further amplified with hand-carved doors and window frames that preserve the building’s artisanal heritage. Aurora Design drew from this existing language to inform their interventions whereby furniture pieces reinterpret traditional forms through a minimalist lens, primarily in wood, ensuring for seamless integration. From the upstairs bar stools to the pared-back dining chairs and tables, each element feels both new and native to the space.