Le Petit Four
Year of Completion / March 2023
Client / Le Petit Four Patisserie
Location / Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.
Square Meters / 1200sqft / 115m2
Design Lead / ChunJen Chiam
Design Management / ChunJen Chiam
Design Team / Eunice Cheng
Client Brief
The client's Patisserie & Cocktail Cafe in Penang merges French aesthetics with local heritage, reflecting their personal journey. Having honed patisserie and barista skills in France, the client seeks to create a space for locals to enjoy French pastries, cocktails, and coffee, blended with Penang’s culinary tradition. The design preserves the heritage structure while enhancing elements like the entrance and joinery. Rich wood finishes and vibrant local colours create timeless elegance. The cafe also serves as a retail space for signature treats, combining hospitality and retail within heritage guidelines for a multifunctional business model.
Challenge
The project faced challenges in balancing limited square footage with the need for openness and functionality across the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Maintaining flow without sacrificing storage or visual aesthetics was critical, as was integrating modern design with the homeowner’s cultural heritage. For the Chronoflux project, heritage constraints were managed by preserving the original structure and facade while incorporating modern elements. Budgetary limitations were addressed by sourcing materials locally and collaborating with craftsmen. Spatial constraints required innovative planning, including custom-made furniture, to maintain functionality while respecting the building’s historical essence.
Concept
Chronoflux - Confluence of Time at Patisserie & Cocktail Cafe
Chronoflux combines traditional and contemporary styles, blending French aesthetics with Penang's heritage. Inspired by the client's passion for French patisserie and barista techniques, it offers a refined space for pastries, cocktails, and coffee, merging past, present, and future elements.
Layout
The cafe’s layout flows seamlessly from the entrance, where the beverage and pastry counter in Rosso Levanto marble greets patrons. This centerpiece leads to long dining islands, inviting social gatherings, with pendant lighting creating warmth. Wall displays showcase pastries and artisanal goods, while oversized clocks on the far wall symbolise the fusion of tradition and modernity. The seating area offers a mix of relaxed seating, providing views of both the entrance and counter. At the back, the open pantry mirrors the counter’s elegance, connecting the space while allowing patrons to witness the cafe’s culinary artistry in action.
Implementation
Rich wood finishes symbolise timelessness and durability, reflecting French and local craftsmanship. Intricate detailing combines French design with Penang motifs, adding cultural significance. Vibrant colorus embody Penang’s heritage and French elegance, creating a lively yet refined space. Handcrafted elements like bespoke joinery and ceiling features, crafted by local artisans, add authenticity and quality.
Details
Vintage switches, carefully installed on the mahogany-colored veneer shopfront frame, evoke a sense of nostalgia. Above the beverage counter, a hanging lamp adorned with starlight bulbs adds a touch of enchantment, casting a warm and inviting glow. These details infuse the space with a charming vintage ambiance, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Patisserie & Cocktail Cafe concept, inspired by Chronoflux, demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist. By incorporating energy-saving technologies, sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly practices, the cafe creates an inviting space that respects and preserves the environment. This commitment to sustainability benefits the planet and enhances the experience for patrons, who can enjoy their time at the cafe knowing they are supporting a business that values environmental responsibility.
