Behind the Design: KCONCEPT and the Making of DEMETER BEANS II x D-APARTMENT

In the dynamic rhythm of a coastal city, DEMETER BEANS II x D-APARTMENT emerges as a refined intersection between modern urban life and the breath of nature. Designed by KCONCEPT, the project was honored with the Excellence Design Award by F&B. Hospitality Entrepreneurs at Design Voices #4 | Inspired by The Heritage, affirming the firm’s belief that “design must create value.”

When Architecture Tells the Story of Urban Life

Following the success of the first DEMETER BEANS roastery, this project marks a strategic move — bringing the brand from its suburban workshop into the heart of the city, seamlessly blending into the rhythm of urban life.

The five-story building on a double-fronted lot is organized with thoughtful logic: the ground floors house DEMETER BEANS Café, a space for coffee lovers and creatives; the upper floors belong to D-APARTMENT, a collection of modern serviced apartments. Each level offers a distinct layer of experience, coming together as a cohesive and vibrant living environment.

Light, Material, and Local Spirit

The façade stands out with ribbed steel panels and staggered box volumes that create a striking visual rhythm. During the day, light seeps through narrow gaps to form shifting shadows; at night, reflections from the planters and aluminum surfaces transform the building into a “living” urban entity.

Inside, the design embraces raw materials—steel, concrete, and wood—retaining a natural, unrefined charm while harmonizing with the local context. This balance between authenticity and modern sophistication captures KCONCEPT’s design essence.

Design for the Community

More than an F&B and lodging hybrid, DEMETER BEANS II x D-APARTMENT serves as an open space for both locals and travelers. The design emphasizes comfort, familiarity, and connection—a place where people can enjoy a calm yet vibrant lifestyle, balancing privacy and openness.

VMARK 2025 Recognition – When Creativity Meets Value

At VMARK Design Award 2025, under the theme “Good Design . Good Business | Sustainable Development by Design,” the project stood out for its ability to harmonize functionality, aesthetics, and urban cultural identity.

This achievement not only celebrates KCONCEPT’s design excellence but also illustrates how design can shape inspiring spaces where architecture, branding, and community coexist and grow sustainably.

DEMETER BEANS II x D-APARTMENT stands as proof that when design engages with real life, it doesn’t just create a space—it awakens a new rhythm of urban living.