Located in the northwest corner of Seoul, the Vonzrr café was retrofitted into an existing building and lightly designed to expose the existing imperfections. The designer, Studio Sherpa, says it focused ‘on the essence’ of the space, carving out essential spaces to read, work and snack.

To keep it simple they built out clever furnishings with wood veneer – a strategy, it says, ‘has a double meaning – that we focus on the essentials rather than the outward splendour.’ Connecting the two floors is a sturdy stone staircase with an elegant down-lit recess that eliminates the need for even a handrail.

The effect is that of a private home where you are heartily welcomed and left to relax.

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