Coffee House New Town is a modern tribute to Kolkata’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Inspired by the city’s iconic coffee house tradition, the design effortlessly blends nostalgia with contemporary elements. From its colonial-style facade to innovative structural solutions, the space reinterprets the past while embracing the present. Through thoughtful material choices, spatial planning, and sustainability considerations, the project creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere — one that continues the legacy of conversation, creativity, and community.
Echoes of the Past
Envisioned around the concept of Kolkata’s heritage Bonedi Baris (aristocratic homes), the building is set on a podium to enhance the grandeur of the single-storied structure. The external facade is designed in a colonial style with GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) panels, creating a unique aesthetic. The entrance portico, featuring cast iron columns and jaali work, serves as a structural element while evoking the architectural charm of a bygone era.
The double-height interior space is column-free, supported by MS hollow sections that replicate the traditional Kari Barga structure. The mezzanine balcony reflects the layout of the original Coffee House, reinforcing a sense of familiarity. The furniture, consisting of wooden chairs and glass-top tables, further enhances the nostalgic appeal. To celebrate Kolkata’s rich literary and artistic traditions, a small library corner has been integrated, along with a striking cartoon wall by Mahfuj Ali that captures various facets of Kolkata life, from Durga Puja to the Ganges Ghats. This panel also pays tribute to Manna Dey’s iconic Coffee House song, referencing its beloved characters alongside immortal Bengali literary figures like Feluda and Jatayu.
Harmonised Space
The Indian Coffee House has a long history dating back to pre-independence India, with the College Street Coffee House playing a significant role in shaping modern intellectual and literary movements. The client’s brief was to create a contemporary café that retained the spirit of the legendary College Street Coffee House while establishing an iconic landmark for New Town.
Coffee House New Town is a creative reinterpretation of this cultural symbol, maintaining the essence of the original within a modern urban setting. The functional layout mirrors the College Street design, with the lower level housing the main café space, while a staircase at the rear leads to the mezzanine balcony overlooking the central hall. The building’s colonial facade, cast iron elements, and double-height interiors create a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary urbanity.
Moreover, the design follows the classic layout of the College Street Coffee House. The ground floor accommodates the main café, while a staircase at the rear leads to the mezzanine balcony, maintaining the spatial hierarchy of the original. The kitchen, office, and storage facilities are positioned at the rear, ensuring unobstructed movement within the café.
At the front, a library and souvenir shop are integrated into niches, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the space. The mezzanine balcony extends into cantilevered Juliet balconies and roof terraces, providing additional open-air seating. The flooring design, a mix of monochrome and traditional terracotta, subtly guides movement through the space while adding a playful visual contrast.
Structural Ingenuity
The architectural design of the Coffee House recalls Kolkata’s colonial past through a refined approach. The fluted columns, balustrades, cornices, and mouldings are executed in GFRC, with metal shuttering ensuring precise detailing. Although single-storeyed, the structure’s grandeur is elevated by a high plinth, which extends into a wraparound spillover zone, reminiscent of Kolkata’s traditional roak — a space for social gatherings.
The entrance features an intricate cast-iron canopy with a stylised pattern inspired by coffee bubbles, making it a distinctive landmark. The boundary wall blends classic and contemporary elements, reinforcing the historical aesthetic within a modern framework.
In addition, the main hall’s grand 13 m x 22 m column-free space was achieved through an RCC roof over metal decking, supported by intersecting steel beams. This bold structural choice allows for an expansive, open café environment while reinforcing the historical charm of the space.
The first-floor mezzanine balcony, a cantilevered MS structure supported by peripheral columns, extends into the central space, creating an interplay between openness and structural ingenuity. The exposed ceiling and steel beams reinterpret traditional kari-barga construction techniques, enhancing both the visual appeal and architectural integrity.
Moreover, the biggest challenge was achieving the column-free span while ensuring structural stability. The structural engineer had to work on-site, manually drafting construction details and calculating load distributions in real time. Another major hurdle was sourcing the intricate cast-iron filigree for the entrance. Due to its complexity, local grille makers were reluctant to take on the project, prompting the team to source fabricators from Hyderabad.
Ensuring the perfect fit for the cast-iron elements was a meticulous task, as even a millimetre of deviation could have caused misalignment issues. Precise on-site measurements were taken after the main building was completed to guarantee accuracy in fabrication and installation.
Sustainability in Style
Sustainability was a key consideration in the design. The café maximises natural light through transparent openings, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. Natural ventilation was prioritised to minimise the need for air conditioning, thereby lowering energy consumption.
Ceiling fans with extended down rods were installed, suspended from the double-height ceiling to recreate the nostalgic ambience of an old Indian coffee house. These fans effectively circulate cool air throughout the space, decreasing dependence on mechanical ventilation while preserving the café’s classic atmosphere.
Fact File
Project: Coffee House New Town, Kolkata
Client: West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO)
Architect: Ar Tamal Chaudhuri & Associates
Structural Consultant: SGS Consultants and M.N. Consultants
Project Management: WBHIDCO
Steel Fabricator: BBG Construction
Steel Supplier: TATA Steel
Tonnage: 15 tonne
Status: Completed
Quote
“One of the most challenging aspects of this project was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction was already underway when the pandemic struck, causing severe disruptions in communication, labour availability, and material sourcing. The lockdown posed significant obstacles, making it difficult to resolve structural complexities remotely. Despite these challenges, the project gradually regained momentum as restrictions eased. The dedication of the team ensured the project’s timely completion, culminating in its successful inauguration.”
– Tamal & Parinita Hati Chaudhuri, Co-founders; Sudeshna Maria Paul, Senior Architect, Ar Tamal Chaudhuri & Associates
– Madani Ansari
