Located at the ground-floor open-plan zone of Scramble Hill, a newly developed landmark retail destination by SHKP in Kwun Tong, Grove Cafe is conceived as a large-scale open dining installation positioned at the heart of the mall.
Unlike a conventional enclosed retail unit, this project operates within a fully exposed public environment, requiring a design approach that balances brand identity, spatial clarity, and architectural integration.
Beyond addressing the client’s operational and branding needs, the project also responds to the expectations of Sun Hung Kai Properties’ Design Team and Leasing Project Team, making it a highly coordinated and design-sensitive development within a premium commercial setting.
Project details
Construction Duration
~2 months
Location
Scramble Hill, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
Signature materials
Woodgrain veneer / laminate finish
Brushed champagne gold metal
Light-toned textured solid surface
Warm white integrated LED lighting
Indoor planting elements
Earth-tone upholstered seating
Area
1500 sq. ft.
Year
2026
CONCEPT & INTENT
A spatially defined dining destination within an open architectural field.
Rather than treating the project as a typical cafe fit-out, the design reinterprets the idea of a “kiosk” into a fully articulated open-plan restaurant environment.
The concept focuses on creating a space that is:
Visually prominent without being intrusive
Architecturally cohesive with the mall
Experientially warm and inviting
Through the use of curvilinear geometry, layered lighting, warm material palettes, and integrated greenery, the space becomes a recognizable yet harmonious feature within the larger retail landscape.
SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC
Defining space without walls in an open-plan condition
The key challenge of this project lies in constructing a coherent dining environment within an exposed, shared public space. The planning strategy is built upon the following principles:
1. Central Feature as Spatial Anchor
A sculptural overhead and vertical structure establishes a strong focal point, enhancing visibility from multiple directions and reinforcing spatial identity.
2. Perimeter Definition through Planters and Seating
Instead of rigid boundaries, the use of continuous planter edges and integrated seating forms a soft enclosure, clearly distinguishing the dining area while preserving openness.
3. Integration with Circulation Flow
Curved geometries and flowing layouts respond to the mall’s movement patterns, allowing seamless interaction between pedestrian traffic and the cafe environment.
4. Enlarged Kiosk Typology
While technically operating as a kiosk, the scale and articulation elevate it into a full-fledged restaurant experience, ensuring sufficient presence within a large open retail field.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
Warm, refined, and seamlessly integrated
The material palette is carefully curated to balance warmth, elegance, and durability, while aligning with the premium character of the mall.
Woodgrain Finishes
Extensively used across cladding, structural elements, and seating to create a warm and grounded base tone.
Brushed Champagne Gold Metal
Applied in frames, lighting fixtures, and detailing to introduce refinement and subtle luxury.
Integrated Linear Lighting
Embedded within architectural elements to enhance depth, visibility, and nighttime ambience, while reinforcing the spatial outline.
Planter Integration
Greenery functions as both a visual softener and a spatial buffer, contributing to a relaxed and natural dining atmosphere.
Curved Built-in Seating
Custom-designed seating follows the geometry of the layout, optimizing space efficiency while maintaining comfort and fluidity.
Feature Display Column
A vertical digital display element serves both branding and visual anchoring purposes, increasing engagement within the open environment.
PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES
A spatially defined dining destination within an open architectural field.
Rather than treating the project as a typical cafe fit-out, the design reinterprets the idea of a “kiosk” into a fully articulated open-plan restaurant environment.
The concept focuses on creating a space that is:
Visually prominent without being intrusive
Architecturally cohesive with the mall
Experientially warm and inviting
Through the use of curvilinear geometry, layered lighting, warm material palettes, and integrated greenery, the space becomes a recognizable yet harmonious feature within the larger retail landscape.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
Designing within a shared vision framework
This project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, each with distinct priorities—from brand expression to architectural consistency and commercial positioning.
Working within an open-plan site introduced additional complexity, requiring the design team to rethink traditional retail boundaries and develop a spatial strategy based on perception, flow, and layering.
Through continuous dialogue, iterative refinement, and detailed coordination, the project achieves a balanced outcome that satisfies both client ambitions and landlord expectations.
GROVE CAFE
SCRAMBLE HILL
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