2025 Gallery
Winner: Best Café Design
Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice for Palace Coffee
22 Ridgeway Place
Melbourne, VIC
Palace Coffee, designed by Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice, elevates Melbourne’s espresso bar experience. Nestled in a laneway beneath Monaco House, its sculptural oxide-red steel entry, recessed threshold, and seamless service window create a dynamic interaction between interior and street, fostering community while serving exceptional coffee at high volume.
Jury Citation
The winner of Best Cafe Design, Palace Coffee, stands out for its confident simplicity and refined spatial execution. Despite its compact footprint, the design responds beautifully to the existing architecture while asserting a distinct identity through its materiality, colour palette and thoughtful detailing. Every element feels purposeful – from the contemporary interpretation of traditional standing-room cafes to the precise cut-out corners that add character and tactility. It captures a strong sense of place, making it instantly memorable on the street. Palace Coffee reflects where cafe culture is today: small, intentional and design-led without being overstated. A standout project that proves big impact can come from small spaces.
