CATA COFFEE
COMPLETED
FUNCTION: F&B, Coffee Shop
AREA: 107 sqm
LOCATION: 56 Joo Chiat Place, 427780, SINGAPORE
Beyond Third Wave Coffee
In recent years, cafes have become sleek, minimalist spaces where the focus is more on the performance of making coffee than the joy of drinking it. Baristas, almost like scientist, emphasize precision with single-origin beans and exacting brewing methods. While this “third-wave” coffee culture has elevated the quality of the drink, it has sidelines the communal aspect that draws many to cafes in the first place.
Many of these third-wave cafes are designed as sterile, minimalist environments, with clean line, neutral colors, and an almost clinical focus on coffee-making. Though aesthetically impressive, these spaces often feel cold and uninviting. Customers are left observing the artistry of brewing rather than engaging in the warm, lively atmosphere that makes cafes special. The human element has taken a back seat to coffee as a craft, leaving many feeling like spectators rather than participants in a shared experience.
Interestingly, in the coffee-producing regions of Latin America, coffee is enjoyed as part of daily life, not as a performance. Farmers and locals gather to drink coffee naturally, without the need for an elaborate ritual. This simple act of sharing coffee-without the sterile precision- is what many long for again. The focus there is on savouring the moment, not obsessing over the method.
Coffee comes naturally to Marian and Han, the couple behind CATA Coffee. For them, coffee is both an art and a science-a harmonious blend of creativity and precision. But more importantly, they see coffee as a medium for connection, a catalyst for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
In designing the space, we drew inspiration from this philosophy, while also blending the vibrant street cultures of Venezuela and Joo Chiat. Both places are rich in color, texture, and a sense of community, and we wanted to capture their warmth and energy in the café
To bring this vision to life, we used light as our primary tool for colour, casting vibrant hues across the space rather than painting the walls with static tones. This approach ensures that everyone who enters is bathed in the same spectrum of colours, symbolizing inclusivity and shared experiences under a unified light.
The result is a space that feels both dynamic and welcoming-a celebration of coffee, culture and connection
As we move beyond third-wave coffee, people are seeking a balance between quality and experience. While good coffee is essential, it’s the atmosphere that makes cafes memorable, celebrating both the craft and the communal spirit that makes them truly special. CATA Coffee is a neighbourhood community club where conversations flow freely, and the coffee complements the experience rather than dominates it.
Image Gallery
CREDITS
CLIENT: CATA COFFEE, Han & Marian
TEAM MEMBERS: Pan Yi Cheng, Daniel Chia, Liao Chien-I
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lim Yu Heng, Type0 Architects