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Alyn Griffiths

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  • 3 min

Vincent von Thien designs Trader HiFi cafe as a “space that celebrates sound”

🎧 In Hamburg's Ottensen district, Vincent von Thien opened Trader HiFi, a 70-square-meter cafe inspired by Japan's jazz cafes. The venue features a cork-clad DJ booth, a bespoke sound system, and a cast-in-situ concrete bar. Open during the day for coffee, it hosts listening sessions in the evenings. The design includes wooden furniture by Further THER, acoustic tiles by MycoLutions, and warm lighting by Vitra, creating an introspective and sound-focused environment.
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  • 3 min

URBA uses reclaimed materials to craft “multi-layered” interior for Onyx Æther restaurant

🍴 URBA and artists Esteban de la Torre and Judit Eszter Kárpáti designed Onyx Æther, a Budapest restaurant, to emphasize sustainability. The restaurant features furniture made from melted aluminum and compressed wool. Shortlisted for the 2025 Dezeen Awards, it offers an 11-course menu reflecting historical and futuristic themes. The interior uses local, repurposed materials and integrates motion and lighting for a multi-sensory experience, honoring local culture and minimizing environmental impact.
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  • 2 min

L/O designs Osaka shop to “celebrate artistry and utility” of Japanese knives

💡 In 2025, Tojiro Knife Gallery, Osaka's flagship store, opened in Doguyasuji Alley arcade. Designed by L/O, it showcases knives with overlapping wooden panels inspired by traditional yoroi-bari cladding. The space includes a gallery with LED-lit wood-panelled walls and a maintenance room for observing knife sharpening. The design highlights a blend of Japanese craftsmanship and modern innovation, and the gallery is shortlisted for a 2025 Dezeen Award for small retail interiors.
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