The key idea behind the redesign is a dramatic shift from a dark, opaque facade to one that is open and inviting. The formerly closed exterior now embraces transparency, dissolving the boundary between the structure and its surroundings. Sculptural, amorphous elements placed along the cantilevered cornices evoke the legendary apple orchards that once defined the area, while subtly referencing the iconic Orbita space communication station — a landmark of Almaty’s 1970s Soviet-era identity.
The adjacent parking lot has been reimagined as an expansive terrace — a public platform designed to attract visitors of different backgrounds, particularly during the city’s long summer season, when outdoor life becomes an essential part of urban culture.
The upper floors accommodate the café chain’s headquarters, a roasting facility, and an experimental space dedicated to research, presentations, and lectures for professionals in the specialty coffee industry. The rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the mountains, remains largely preserved, with minimal interventions introduced to refine the spatial experience and strengthen the project’s overall character.