Billy Goat Coffee

An encompassing view of the coffee bar, showcasing its layout and ambience

Billy Goat Coffee, located within DNA's office, is an experiment in transforming an underutilised space previously used for model storage. Given its flood-prone location, the design strategy focused on one key question: How can we incorporate a coffee bar with minimal modification to the existing space?

Comfortable seating area with a serene garden view

Billy Goat logo, meticulously cut by CNC machining, is prominently displayed on the shelving handles

To protect against water damage, the coffee bar is placed on a raised platform made of steel, with cement board finishing. This platform, along with the coffee bar itself, is designed in a modular way, allowing for easy dismantling for cleaning and maintenance. Electrical conduits are terminated with industrial-grade commando plugs, enabling them to be easily unplugged during the flooding season, preventing any damage to the electrical systems.

LED strips positioned between solid and perforated panels, casting a soft wash of light across the bar counter

Diagram illustrating the modular design of the bar counter

This flood resilience strategy, in turn, ties into the overall atmosphere of the space. The client’s intention was to make Billy Goat Coffee feel like an extension of their home, and this begins with the thoughtful selection of fittings and furniture. Each piece is chosen to ensure every guest feels comfortable and at home. The client’s logo is subtly integrated into the shelving handles through CNC machining — an innovative approach to embedding branding into the spatial design. 

An artistic entrance feature, crafted from steel rods and Billy Goat's signature glass bottles, designed to chime in the breeze

Additionally, an entrance piece was created using steel rods and Billy Goat signature glass bottles, arranged in a way that they clink together when the wind blows. The sound evokes the startup's origins, recalling the client's early days of delivering coffee in a glass bottle.

Electrical conduits housed in galvanised iron pipes, raised above the flood level

Electrical sockets terminated with an industrial-grade command plug

The design of Billy Goat Coffee prioritises practicality and adaptability, with the aim of creating a functional, low-maintenance space that also offers a comfortable environment for coffee lovers. By reimagining an underused room and addressing the practical challenges of its location, this project offers a simple yet effective solution that supports the daily operations of the café while meeting the needs of the community.

Text by the architect

 

PROJECT GALLERY

 
  • Architect : Design Network Architects
    Client : Billy Goat Coffee
    Area : 50 m²
    Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
    Year : 2024

  • M&E Engineer : Velseng Electronic Service
    Contractor : Triple C. Enterprise
    Consultants : Metal CnC – Bezalel Studio Sdn Bhd
    Design Team : Eric Lai
    Photography : Sozoo | Paradise Borneo | Eric Lai

  • Floor | Floor Finishes
    • Others : SCG cement board
    Ceiling | Ceiling Systems : UAC Duravent by Zen Building Materials Sdn Bhd
    Kitchen Fittings | Systems : Berjaya CKE
    Lighting Design | Fittings : JustLight Enterprise Sdn Bhd

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