terracotta-tinted concrete district 27 coffee shop reuses old medical laboratory in indonesia

INS Studio turns Former Laboratory into Local community Space

District 27 is a reuse project by INS Studio that transforms a former medical laboratory into a multifunctional community space and local coffee shop in Makassar, Indonesia. The intervention retained the building’s original structure, adapting it to suit its new function through a series of spatial and material strategies. Externally, the building was refinished in a cement coating tinted terracotta. This choice reflects the dominant tones of the surrounding context while creating a distinct visual identity within the streetscape.

all images by Akasa Rana

district 27 coffee shop’s reconfigured Floor Plan Enhances Flow

The design team at INS Studio began the planning process by assessing the existing partitions within the compact floor plan. Spatial limitations informed the reconfiguration of the interior. The seating area was divided into two zones using frosted glass blocks to create visual separation and support a sense of privacy without reducing light transmission. The central coffee bar serves as the organizational core of the layout, positioned for direct access to both the kitchen and service zones. An underutilized corner of the floor plan was adapted into a reflective feature wall using a full-height mirror, creating a visual extension of the interior and offering an identifiable element near the access to the restrooms.

District 27 is a reuse project designed by INS Studio

the coffee shop occupies a former medical laboratory in Makassar, Indonesia

frosted glass blocks divide the seating area into two zones

the glass partitions offer privacy while maintaining light flow

the color palette reflects local architectural tones

a ‘dead corner’ was converted into a reflective wall

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floor plans

elevation

sections

landscape development

isometric A

isometric B

project info:

name: District 27

architects: INS Studio | @ins.studio

area: 216 sqm

location: Makassar, Indonesia

lead architect: Wisnu Wardhana | @wsnuwrdhana

manufacturers: Dekson, Ikea, Jaya Board, Mortar Utama, Philips, TOTO INDONESIA, Taco, mulia glass

drafting: Andi Syadzwina Shaumi Syahrir
3D modeling: Irwansyah Usman Marua

photographer: Akasa Rana

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom