Historic Space Transformation in Romania: ukyo X Hybrid Café
Blending café, listening bar and co-working space, this design breathes new life into Cluj-Napoca's historic fabric.
1Modern Touch on Historic Fabric
in-still design studio transformed a historic storefront in Cluj-Napoca, Romania into ukyo X, a hybrid space spanning 200 square meters. As the third location of the ukyo brand, the venue combines café, listening bar and cultural event space functions. Large sliding glass doors completely open the interior to the street, integrating public space with the venue. The design preserves the building's architectural heritage while introducing contemporary elements.
2Design for Flexible Use
The space was conceived as a flexible environment where social, cultural and creative functions coexist seamlessly. A modular furniture system accommodates different group sizes and usage patterns. The central communal table reinterprets the traditional family table as a social element. This layout creates an open structure that gives equal importance to every seating position. Visitors can transition between socializing, co-working and quieter individual use without rigid divisions.
3Material Palette and Restoration
in-still design studio selected a material palette combining natural wood veneer with stainless steel. The original mosaic floor was carefully restored, preserving the building's material history. This combination establishes continuity between the site's architectural past and contemporary use. The balance between warm tactile surfaces and reflective metal elements creates a distinctive aesthetic. Every material choice contributes to the space's unique character.
4Four Functional Zones
While primarily operating as a café and brunch destination, the interior is organized into four interconnected zones: coffee bar, lounge, music/art space and secluded co-working nook. Consistent materials and architectural details unify these areas. Changes in lighting, sound and atmosphere facilitate the transition from daytime café to evening listening bar. Each zone maintains its distinct personality while contributing to the overall spatial experience.
5Acoustic and Visual Experience
The space features a custom-designed Hi-Fi speaker wall and stainless steel DJ console. Acoustic consultancy was provided by H.A.N.D. HI FI, ensuring exceptional sound quality. Red atmospheric lighting creates a special ambiance during evening DJ performances. The modular seating area with speaker wall background enhances both visual and auditory experiences. Every design element contributes to the venue's multi-sensory appeal.
6Street-Integrated Design
Large sliding glass doors at the entrance completely open the space to the street, blending café activities with the urban context. The dusk façade view shows how the space activates from the pedestrian street. Mosaic floor details and natural veneer interiors bridge historic character with modern design. This integration creates a dynamic relationship between interior and exterior spaces.
7Manufacturers and Collaborators
The project involved contributions from manufacturers including Borodi Design, Mark Oliver Studio and Structowood. Interior design was led by Maria Schunn, with acoustic consultancy by H.A.N.D. HI FI. Modular furniture and custom-designed elements give the space its distinctive character. The project was published through designboom's DIY submissions feature, which showcases reader-contributed work. Each collaborator brought specialized expertise to realize this unique vision.
8New Approach to Cultural Spaces
ukyo X transcends conventional café models by combining specialty coffee, dedicated sound system and cultural programming in a single space. The adaptive reuse of a historic building contributes to Cluj-Napoca's urban fabric. Such hybrid spaces are becoming important elements that enrich cities' social and cultural life. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create multifunctional venues that serve diverse community needs while preserving architectural heritage.