In a small premises just off a quiet street by the Black Sea, an unusual project has emerged – Acacia Coffee&Wine. Just 47 square metres, 10-12 seats and an interior that, through carefully chosen raw materials and subtle lighting, creates a space that is non-obvious, quiet and yet deeply emotional. It’s a place where carefully selected vintage elements meet the hi-tech minimalism of steel, reminding us that architecture can be an act of defiance and caring even in the most difficult of times.
In the heart of one of Odesa’s quiet neighbourhoods, just a few steps from the waterfront, A-Malysheva studio has realised the design of a space that not only allows you to celebrate life over coffee or wine, but also tells the story of the city and its inhabitants. Acacia Coffee&Wine is more than a typical coffee shop – it is a space for dialogue between history and the present. The name ‘Acacia’ is no accident – it is a reference to the numerous acacia trees that are part of Odesa’s landscape, symbolising both the nostalgic corners and the southern character of the city. The interior, although small (it is only 47sq m), opens up to guests like this, inviting them in.
The dominant feature of the space is an open bar and kitchen station made of brushed stainless steel. It is a single piece of construction that, like a sculpture, marks the focal point of the interior, emphasising the transparency of the barista and chef’s work. The silver sheet of the countertop and front doesn’t compete with the rest of the furnishings, but rather emphasises the industrial style in a simple, decisive way.
A light microcement has been used on the floor – a surface that reflects light and gives the space a lightness. This is complemented by the beige matte walls, which break up the coolness of the microcement with warm tones. This apparent simplicity creates a backdrop for the details: fragments of exposed brick, crumbs of the former façade, which brought a touch of raw, urban character to the interior.
The designers from the A-Malysheva studio, however, made sure that the interior was not just associated with an industrial warehouse. They decided to liven up the space and used oiled oak elements with a delicate, greenish tinge and the soft, slightly smoky colour of the vintage leather armchairs. The addition of geometry in the form of simple metal shelves and a bold oval mirror brings rhythm and dynamism, reminding us that there is a thoughtful concept behind every detail. The lighting, concealed in the ceiling fixtures and sconces, gently emphasises the softness of the oak, the rawness of the brick, the coolness of the steel and the smoothness of the microcement in turn, without dominating the space.
Although the venue has only 10-12 chairs, the visitor never feels overwhelmed by the details. On the contrary, the silence and intimacy are conducive to tranquillity, observing the drinks being prepared and wine tasting. Acacia does not shout, but whispers a story about the elegance of simplicity and the power of detail.
The designers have succeeded in creating an interior where the everyday is combined with the story of the city and its inhabitants. Against the backdrop of Ukraine’s wartime reality, working on such a place takes on added meaning – it is not just a project, but a kind of act of resistance, proof that even in troubled times architecture can bring solace, dignity and presence.
design: A-Malysheva studio
photography: Yevhen Karev
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