How a 350-Square-Meter Industrial Café in Suzhou Redefines Slow Living

In a world of cookie-cutter cafés, how do you build a coffee shop that doesn’t just serve drinks but stops people in their tracks? This 250-square-meter space in Wujiang, Suzhou, reimagines the traditional café as a multi-functional haven where design fuels conversation, creativity, and comfort—without sacrificing a strong sense of place.

This industrial-chic café combines a ground-floor coffee bar and lounge with upstairs game rooms, all wrapped in exposed structures, vintage textures, and thoughtful details that invite guests to linger over a cup—or an entire afternoon.

What Is ‘New Suzhou-Style’ Slow Living in a Café?

The project, dubbed “New Suzhou-Style Slow Life,” transforms a commercial space in Qidu Town, Wujiang, Suzhou, into a 250-square-meter two-story café with an unmistakable industrial edge. Designed by Bensheng Design under creative lead Xu Chengfu, the space fuses raw materials, retro accents, and functional zones to craft an atmosphere that’s equal parts edgy and inviting.

Ground Floor: Where Coffee Meets Conversation

The main reception area is built for coffee and connection. Exposed original structures meet bold design moves: metal wire mesh drapes alongside pendant lights with an antique drop, while a vintage world map adds a graphic focal point. The floor? A mix of two-tone grey bricks extending from the exterior, highlighting raw texture. A yellow bench seat saves space and injects warmth, while a DIY bookshelf and potted plants add personality. Every furnishing—from the weathered wood grain paired with caramel leather sofas to the precisely selected umbrella-shaped and cylindrical lamps—contributes to a layered, tactile environment that feels both curated and lived-in.

The Bar: Simple, Functional, Warm

The café’s bar is intentionally understated. A long counter is bathed in the soft glow of pendant lighting, with leather stools adding a retro touch. It’s the kind of setup that puts the focus on the coffee—no distractions, just good lighting, solid surfaces, and a clear view of the brew action.

Upstairs: Game Rooms for Socializing and Relaxing

The second floor houses private rooms designed for downtime. One smaller space features blue sofas and a playful bamboo pendant lamp, offering a cheerful, low-key spot for board games and chats. A larger room caters to meetings or bigger groups, with quirky chairs adorned with goat and cat patterns and gear-inspired light fixtures. It’s a flexible zone that adapts to different moods and moments.

Connecting Spaces: Stairs and Details

The staircase is more than a connector—it’s part of the experience. Wooden treads are softened with fresh greenery and fabric curtains, creating a natural, airy flow between floors. Upstairs, a birdcage-style crystal chandelier adds a dreamy, unexpected focal point, while colorful wall art keeps the vibe light.

Design Team Behind the Space

Bensheng Design, a Suzhou-based firm known for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial projects across the Yangtze Delta, handled the build. Led by creative director Xu Chengfu (8 years’ experience in residential, office, and cultural spaces), the team included Zhang Ping, Song Lingchao, and art director Yu Bo. Materials like faux brick, antique tile, paint, solid wood flooring, treated timber, and wire mesh were chosen to reinforce the industrial narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total area of the café?

The café covers 250 square meters across two floors, with the ground floor dedicated to coffee service and socializing, and the upper level designed for private gatherings and games.

Who designed the café and what is their background?

The project was designed by Suzhou Bensheng Design, with creative direction from Xu Chengfu, an 8-year veteran in interior design. The team also included Zhang Ping, Song Lingchao, and art director Yu Bo. Bensheng Design has an extensive portfolio across the Yangtze Delta region.

What design style defines the café?

The space is defined by an industrial style, using raw materials like exposed structures, metal wire mesh, treated wood, and faux brick. It also incorporates vintage and retro elements such as leather seating, world maps, and DIY shelving for a balanced, lived-in aesthetic.

How is the upstairs space used?

The upstairs consists of multiple private rooms: a smaller blue-sofa space with a bamboo lamp for casual gaming and chatting, and a larger room with patterned chairs and gear-like lighting, suitable for small meetings or group hangouts.

What materials were used in the café’s construction?

Key materials include cultural stone, faux antique brick, paint, solid wood flooring, treated wood, and wire mesh. These were chosen to emphasize texture, durability, and an industrial-chic feel.

What makes the main reception area stand out?

The main area features exposed structural elements, a world map wall, yellow bench seating, a vintage map, potted plants, and a mix of weathered wood and leather sofa textures—all tied together with carefully selected lighting and decor details.

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