In the heart of Glasgow, within the robust shell of a historic building, Amsterdam and Belgrade-based practice KIDZ Studio has completed a striking interior that feels both grounded and atmospheric. The project, named Kloud Café-Bar, is a 149-square-meter space that masterfully tackles the challenge of its inherent architecture. The existing structure was characterized by heavy columns and beams, presenting a raw, almost brutalist quality. The architects’ main task was to subvert this weight, transforming the basement into an environment that would gently “cover and wrap” its visitors—much like its namesake.
The transformation is achieved through a deliberate and sensitive manipulation of form. Straight lines were softened, and the existing structural elements—columns and beams—were rounded off. This strategy is amplified by the introduction of fluid architectural elements, including arched openings and organic window shapes that break away from rigid geometry. The materiality plays a crucial role in establishing the cloud-like sensation. The walls are finished with a textured decorative plaster; in the main hall, it is rough and tactile, mimicking the density of clouds, while in more private areas it transitions into a smoother finish with soft, blurred patterns.
Lighting design is the central protagonist in shaping the ever-changing atmosphere of Kloud. All ceiling fixtures are concealed to avoid visual clutter, creating an effect where daylight appears to filter through an overcast sky. As evening falls, the space transitions from a bright café to a moody bar. This is orchestrated through a careful arrangement of lightboxes and round luminous spheres that establish a rhythm. A large programmable lightbox above the bar acts as the heart of the interior, capable of shifting the entire mood—from a warm, sunny orange to a deep, dramatic sunset red. The façade lighting remains subtle, ensuring the interior’s minimalist language does not spill outward.
A unified monochromatic material palette reinforces the serene and continuous feel. The decorative plaster is complemented by poured flooring and porcelain stoneware, all featuring flowing, blurred patterns. The intentional use of stainless steel as a delicate accent provides moments of reflection and interaction with light, creating subtle sun flares without compromising the overall softness of the space.
Furniture continues the theme of ambiguity and play. Amorphous, custom-designed furniture piecescounterbalance the scale of the main hall, encouraging playful perception and multiple readings of the space. The layout deliberately avoids a traditional seating orientation. Instead, a long, continuous sofa with integrated tables accommodates both large groups and intimate conversations. Two additional rooms offer a more secluded experience, where strategically placed mirrors within window reveals expand the sense of space, add depth, and enhance the thematic notion of light breaking through clouds.
Throughout the project, KIDZ Studio demonstrates a disciplined focus on architecture, geometry, and light, eschewing decorative excess. The final masterstroke is an internal window that subtly divides the space while maintaining a visual connection, serving as a focal point. The result is a minimalist interior that respectfully resonates with the building’s historic context while being entirely its own. Kloud is a chameleonic space, expertly designed to unfold through different scenarios, offering visitors a truly immersive experience from day to night.