Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
Kazhe Lounge Cafe and Restaurant
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Shabahang Architecture Office
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 10,110
- Verification code 0C0341F3F0 · Verify this award
About Kazhe Lounge Cafe and Restaurant
Kazhe Lounge is a cafe and restaurant interior located in Qom, Iran. The design covers 1078 square meters over three floors. Cool, dark colors, broken forms, and greenery create a contrast with the surrounding desert environment. The layout includes closed, semi-open, and open areas, so visitors can choose between different atmospheres. Modular seating and varied ceiling heights add flexibility. A chandelier made of welded and shaped iron sheets spans two floors. Sculptural flamingo elements refer to the idea of freedom.
Soroosh Roghanian's Kazhe Lounge Cafe and Restaurant engages the spatial and material vocabularies of contemporary hospitality design, positioning itself within a lineage of refined commercial interiors that elevate functional service environments into experiential destinations through considered material palettes, dramatic sculptural gestures, and meticulously orchestrated illumination strategies. The composition demonstrates notable achievements in creating visual hierarchy through the monumental suspended ceiling installation, where alternating modules of natural timber and black metal establish a rhythmic geometric field that transforms the utilitarian necessity of acoustic treatment into a defining architectural statement, the staggered vertical displacement of these rectilinear volumes generating a three-dimensional relief that activates the overhead plane and creates dynamic shadow patterns that shift subtly with changing lighting conditions and viewer position. The chromatic restraint exercised throughout the space, limiting the palette to the essential dialogue between saturated black, warm natural timber tones, and measured metallic accents in the brass and copper families, achieves a sophisticated visual coherence that allows material character and lighting effects to assume primary expressive roles rather than competing through chromatic complexity. The service counter itself demonstrates compositional intelligence through its horizontal emphasis and bilateral symmetry, functioning as both practical work surface and visual anchor, its black stone or composite surface providing grounding mass that contrasts with the floating sensation created by the concealed linear LED illumination beneath, this detail elevating the entire counter assembly from the floor plane and establishing the warm amber color temperature that permeates the environment. The tripartite shelving composition rising behind the counter transforms functional storage into decorative display, each backlit compartment housing cylindrical and rectangular vessels that read simultaneously as working inventory and curated objects, the internal illumination of these niches creating jewel-box presentations that reward close observation and suggest a philosophy wherein every functional element within the space merits aesthetic consideration. The lighting design particularly merits attention, employing multiple concealed sources working in concert to create overlapping zones of ambient and accent illumination, the undercounter linear sources providing the primary chromatic temperature and floating effect, the recessed perimeter spotlights modeling surfaces and creating spatial depth through controlled contrast, and the internally lit display compartments adding measured focal points that draw the eye vertically and establish visual rhythm across the wall plane. This work invites contemplation of how contemporary commercial design negotiates the tension between operational functionality and experiential richness, how material selection and illumination strategy can transform utilitarian program into environments of sensory refinement, and how geometric abstraction operating at architectural scale can create spaces that feel simultaneously contemporary and timeless, specific to their moment yet resistant to stylistic obsolescence, grounded in their functional program yet transcending purely instrumental purposes to offer moments of aesthetic contemplation within the rhythms of daily commerce.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Kazhe Lounge is a multifunctional cafe-restaurant designed to contrast Qom’s desert environment. Featuring cool, dark colors, broken forms, and greenery, it creates a refreshing atmosphere. Sculptural flamingo elements add surprise. The space’s innovative layout includes closed, semi-open, and open areas, offering varied experiences. A unique chandelier made of intertwined iron sheets enhances the space’s allure.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Kazhe Lounge spans 1078 m², distributed over three floors, with varying spaces for different experiences. The design incorporates modular seating arrangements, creating flexible and adaptable layouts. The use of varied ceiling heights enhances the spatial diversity. The iconic chandelier, crafted from intertwined iron sheets, spans across two floors. The materials used, including textured finishes and high-quality paint, provide durability and aesthetic appeal while maintaining a contrast with the desert surroundings.
- Tags
- Kazhe Lounge, architectural design, multi-purpose space, contrast design, modern interior, Qom, innovative lighting, sustainable materials, urban relaxation, sculptural elements
- Production Technology
- The design of Kazhe Lounge integrates advanced architectural techniques with a focus on creating an immersive atmosphere. The use of cold, dark colors and broken forms was achieved through precise material selection, including high-quality paints and textured finishes. The unique chandelier was created using intertwined iron sheets, welded and shaped to form a dynamic, sculptural element. The layout's flexible spaces were constructed with attention to both functionality and aesthetic coherence, employing modern construction methods for optimal space utilization.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge was balancing modern design with the historical context of the location. Social and cultural perspectives had to be considered to ensure the design resonated with the local community. External factors such as local building regulations and material availability also influenced the process. The team overcame these obstacles by integrating traditional elements with innovative approaches, ensuring functionality and respect for the site's heritage while staying within technical and legal constraints.
- Project Duration
- The Kazhe Lounge project began in early 2023 and was completed in early 2024. Located in Qom, Iran, this multi-purpose space was designed to offer a unique contrast to the surrounding desert environment. The project was built over three floors, combining innovative architectural elements with functional spaces. The completed design provides an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and dining, reflecting the city's urban needs while offering an escape from the harsh desert landscape.
- Operation Flow
- Kazhe Lounge operates as a flexible space that adapts to various needs, offering areas for relaxation, dining, and social interaction. The flow of the space is designed to encourage exploration, with open, semi-open, and closed spaces that invite visitors to experience different atmospheres. The unique chandelier and sculptural elements create focal points, guiding movement. The contrast between the cool, dark interior and the desert surroundings provides a refreshing escape, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
- Research
- This design focuses on creating a modern, functional space through architectural exploration. The objective is to enhance user experience by blending aesthetics with practicality. The methodology includes digital modeling and environmental analysis. Tools like design software and material studies were employed. The design team collaborated to ensure user comfort. Results reveal a space that improves interaction and visual appeal. The impact is seen in architecture and interior design, promoting more sustainable, user-centered spaces.
- Inspiration
- Kazhe Lounge was inspired by the desire to create a space contrasting with Qom's desert environment. The hot, bright surroundings are countered by a cool, dark, and green interior, offering a peaceful refuge. The design draws from the concept of freedom, symbolized by the flamingo. The technical approach focused on integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating an immersive, multi-purpose space for relaxation and social interaction.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Khatereh Eshghi, Shabahang Architecture Office Project, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer Khatereh Eshghi, Shabahang Architecture Office Project, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Khatereh Eshghi, Shabahang Architecture Office Project, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer Khatereh Eshghi, Shabahang Architecture Office Project, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Khatereh Eshghi, Shabahang Architecture Office Project, 2024. - Patents
- Copyrights belong to Shabahang Architecture Office, 2024