Palace Coffee by KKAP

Balancing intricate details with understated refinement, Palace Coffee subtly echoes the reverence of one’s daily ritual. Thoughtfully reimagining a compact yet dynamic espresso bar in Melbourne’s office district, Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice (KKAP) offers a refreshing alternative to the usual coffee shop experience.

To uncover key design cues, KKAP looked outwards. Nestled in a laneway at the base of Monaco House, the sculptural, steel facade painted in Dulux’s Manor Red is inspired by Pellegrini’s and the Nicholas Building nearby, offering a stark juxtaposition to the fortress-like walls of the Melbourne Club. A recessed frontage creates a seamless threshold between the laneway and the coffee bar. A serving window – reminiscent of a Milan espresso bar – enhances the vibrant, fluid atmosphere; office workers can quickly order, perch momentarily and converse.

“We set out to create an environment where great coffee and meaningful interactions go hand in hand, and this space allows for that to happen. Its warmth and flow make it a special place to work in.”

“The design of Palace Coffee is about more than just serving coffee – it’s about fostering connection and creating an experience that draws people together,” says Kerry Kounnapis, director of KKAP. “We wanted to create a space that not only blends into the city but also invites people in through its openness and warmth.” Owner of Palace Coffee, Charlotte Devereux adds: “We set out to create an environment where great coffee and meaningful interactions go hand in hand, and this space allows for that to happen. Its warmth and flow make it a special place to work in.”

Beyond the striking facade, the interior is warm and capsule-like. The red hues extend inside on the door, benches and shelves that line the walls, interrupted by spotted gum timber detailing. Grey tiles ground the space, while a soft blue feature wall adds depth by offsetting the otherwise warm colours. Meanwhile, a back-lit fibreglass ceiling provides a soft glow and highlights the precise feel of the space, elevated by bespoke and hidden service elements, with the La Marzocco coffee machine taking centrestage.

KKAP has set an exciting precedent in Melbourne coffee culture by placing community, respite and connection at the centre of Palace Coffee. The result is a contemporary, inviting place where one can pause and enjoy their flat white, even for the briefest of moments.

Architecture by KKAP. Build by Tribeca and Severn Smith.