Onward Coffee

[English text below, provided by the architect] Sebelum menempati ruang ini, Onward dikenal sebagai roaster kopi spesialti yang aktif mengikuti berbagai kejuaraan penyeduhan kopi internasional. Pendekatan langsung sang pemilik terhadap petani kopi dan proses penyangraian menjadi inspirasi bagi wujud baru mereka—sebuah tempat yang menghubungkan roastery dan coffee-tasting bar dalam satu pengalaman yang utuh.

Berlokasi di kawasan Cideng, Jakarta Pusat, bangunan ini sebelumnya merupakan dua ruko kosong yang digabung menjadi satu, dengan cahaya alami hanya masuk melalui jendela di bagian depan. Fasadnya dibuat dari bata ringan terekspos yang disusun membentuk dinding melingkar dengan jendela zig-zag, menampilkan area penyimpanan biji kopi di baliknya. Desain ini terinspirasi dari identitas visual Onward yang unik—dengan bentuk-bentuk membulat dan ilustrasi figur manusia berpose jenaka dalam kemasan berwarna mencolok.

Ruang dalamnya dibagi menjadi dua zona kontras. Area roastery tampil terang, bersih, dan tertata rapi dengan lantai ubin berwarna pasir, sentuhan abu-abu muda, serta pencahayaan putih terang yang menciptakan suasana seperti laboratorium untuk pekerjaan presisi. Sebaliknya, area coffee bar menghadirkan suasana hangat dan organik melalui dominasi kayu gelap, dinding abu kasar, rak logam mentah, serta bar tengah berbentuk organik yang dirancang sebagai ruang interaksi antara barista dan pengunjung—layaknya ruang keluarga yang akrab.

Pada akhirnya, ruang baru Onward menjadi perwujudan harmoni antara kerajinan, karakter, dan koneksi, tempat setiap cangkir kopi menceritakan perjalanan dari proses sangrai hingga menjadi ritual keseharian.

Onward Coffee

[Text provided by the architect] Before moving into this space, Onward was primarily known as a specialty coffee roaster, actively involved in several international coffee brewing championships. The owner’s hands-on approach with coffee farmers and the roasting process became the inspiration behind the new establishment—where the roastery and coffee-tasting bar are directly connected within one cohesive experience.

Located in central Jakarta’s Cideng area, the site was originally two unused shophouse units combined into a single space, with natural light entering only through the front window. The façade is constructed from exposed aerated bricks, arranged in a circular wall pattern with zig-zag windows that reveal the coffee bean storage inside. This design draws from Onward’s quirky branding, characterized by rounded shapes and playfully posed human figures on brightly colored packaging and stickers.

The interior is divided into two contrasting zones. The roastery features a bright, clean, and organized atmosphere, enhanced by sand-colored tiles, light grey finishes, and ultra-white lighting to evoke a laboratory-like setting for precision work. In contrast, the coffee bar presents a warmer, more organic ambiance—with deep wood tones, rough grey walls, raw metal shelving, and a sculpted central bar that invites interaction between the baristas and customers, much like a cozy living room.

Ultimately, Onward’s new space embodies a seamless blend of craft, character, and connection—where every cup tells the story of its journey from roast to ritual.

Architecture Firm: Studio Terasu
Design Principal(s): Gana Ganesha
Design Team: Dyah Gris Tifani

Name of Project: Onward Coffee
Location: North Petojo, Jakarta, Indonesia
Owner: Otniel Christopher
Design Period: September – December 2023
Construction Period: April – July 2024
Site Area: 138 sqm.
Floor Area: 138 sqm.
Interior Designer: Studio Terasu
Contractor: ICON
Lighting: Studio Terasu