HOP designs a Hong Kong Bing Sutt with a modern twist in the heart of Paris.

HOP Architects, an Amsterdam based architecture and interior design studio, has collaborated with experienced barista Davina to create a new kind of coffeeshop: The Bing Sutt in Paris.

Located at 22 rue Beranger, Paris, the 29-square-metre coffeeshop serves Chinese milk tea, egg tarts, pineapple buns and speciality coffee in a modern and minimalistic setting. The interior and exterior design stays true to the traditional Hong Kong Bing Sutt while also creating its own identity in the Parisian landscape.

HOP which stands for Habitats of People is a studio working in architecture and interior design. The small team of experienced designers work across a range of sectors including, residential, hospitality, workplace and retail. The studio values designing and creating habitats that are healthy and contribute to both mental and physical well-being. In their design process they focus on creating designs that use little energy and feature sustainable and natural materials.

The design brief given to the studio was to create a Parisian version of the Hong Kong Bing Sutt for Davina, an accomplished barista wanting to start her own business in Paris. Davina who was born and raised in Hong Kong has always been fascinated by the atmosphere created by the remaining Bing Sutts in Hong Kong and was inspired to start her own Bing Sutt in Paris after living in the city for a number of years.

Bing Sutts are a style of cafe which originated in Hong Kong. The literal translation of Bing Sutt is “Ice Chamber” which refers to the typically cold drinks that are served within the cafes. The Bing Sutt’s popularity grew in the 1950s and 1960s. Traditional Bing Sutts offered affordable drinks and dishes with a western influence. Only a few dozen traditional Bing Sutts are still operating while some have been opened by the younger generation who find the nostalgic atmosphere of this style of café fascinating.

For both the interior and exterior design, HOP took inspiration from the traditional elements of the original Hong Kong Bing Sutts. From the floor tiles to the colours used each design aspect has been carefully thought about to reflect the original characteristics of a Bing Sutt. The recognisable elements include the wooden stools, ceiling fans, glass table tops with menus below, wooden benches, octagon and square tiles and a green steel facade. These elements have been given a modern twist to create a minimalistic aesthetic.

On the outside a dark green steel facade has been placed within the restored Parisian stone facade. The inside features beige colour tones which form the basis of the interior design. These beige undertones form a lively contrast with the dark oak wood details and the dark green island, display cabinets and facade.

HOP’s concept and design has created a relaxing setting which features the recognisable elements of a Bing Sutt with a contemporary feel. Bing Sutt Paris has its own identity and has adapted to the local Parisian environment.