A Balance of Precision and Warmth – 1Meal Diner by Empt Studio
In Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, 1Meal Diner by Empt Studio is a study in efficiency and character, where material honesty and careful detailing shape a distinctive dining experience. Working within a controlled budget, the design team maximized resources through CNC-cut furniture, dual-purpose spatial elements, and a modular approach to materials.
The combination of raw plywood and stainless steel creates a contrast between warmth and precision, while a sculptural ceiling installation transforms exposed infrastructure into a defining feature. With an emphasis on seamless movement and adaptability, the layout accommodates both quick visits and lingering gatherings, reinforcing the diner’s role as a versatile and welcoming space.
photographed by Weng Jen, published with bowerbird
Balancing Simplicity and Elegance – The design of 1Meal Diner embraces both warmth and modernity within a modest budget. What were the key challenges in achieving this balance, and how did you overcome them?Â
To overcome this, we optimized our approach in three key ways:
Efficient Fabrication: We designed all custom furniture to be CNC-cut, significantly reducing manual labor costs while maintaining precision and consistency in design.
Dual-Purpose Elements: The kitchen wall was transformed into a display and storage unit, maximizing functionality while adding to the overall design language of the space.
Material Optimization: To minimize material wastage, we set the counter area ceiling height at 8 feet, aligning with standard plywood sheet dimensions, ensuring full utilization without excess cutting.
Materiality and Atmosphere – The interplay of locally sourced plywood and sleek stainless steel creates a distinct aesthetic. How did you select and combine these materials to shape the overall ambiance of the space?Â
The selection of materials was an exploratory process, working with what was readily available while ensuring cohesion in design. Initially, I considered using exotic stone for the counter to add a bold, natural texture. However, I shifted towards laser-cut stainless steel sheets to align with the core idea of precision and consistency in fabrication. Stainless steel not only brings a sleek, modern contrast to the warmth of locally sourced plywood but also enhances durability and ease of maintenance.
The combination of these materials shapes the ambience by striking a balance between industrial refinement and natural warmth. The plywood introduces texture and warmth, creating an inviting feel, while the clean lines and reflective quality of stainless steel add a sense of sharpness and order. This interplay ensures the space feels both welcoming and contemporary, staying true to the project’s vision within a controlled budget.
Crafting Spatial Flow – The layout carefully balances efficiency and ambience, with bespoke cabinetry subtly defining different zones. What was your approach to ensuring seamless movement while maintaining a sense of intimacy?Â
To achieve this, I incorporated two access points at both ends of the kitchen display wall, allowing for a circular flow around the bar counter. This ensures an efficient pathway for staff to move in and out of the kitchen while maintaining a natural rhythm in service.
Additionally, this circulation connects to the toilet at the back, with a right-side pivot door providing direct access for customers. This layout allows for clear separation between service and guest areas while keeping the overall space interconnected. The bespoke cabinetry not only subtly defines different zones but also ensures the transitions feel fluid rather than rigid, creating a well-structured yet intimate dining experience.
The Role of Custom Elements – From tailored furniture to the sculptural ceiling installation, the space is defined by thoughtful details. How do these custom elements contribute to both functionality and the diner’s identity?Â
The decision to incorporate custom furniture and a sculptural ceiling installation was both a functional and identity-driven choice. While plywood as a finishing material is not commonly seen in neighborhood cafés, embracing its raw, unrefined beauty helped define the diner’s distinct character. The use of exposed materials brings out a sense of brutalism, celebrating the honesty of construction rather than concealing it.
Functionally, every custom element was designed with a form-follows-function approach. The tailored furniture ensures efficient use of space while maintaining a cohesive visual language. The sculptural ceiling installation was conceived as a solution to conceal exposed conduit pipes and AC copper pipe trunking running along the slab. Instead of opting for a standard plaster ceiling—an approach that would simply hide these elements—the cost was recalculated and redirected towards a CNC-cut panel system, offering both a visually striking feature and a cost-effective alternative.
Designing for Everyday Moments – 1Meal Diner caters to both office workers seeking a quick respite and families enjoying leisurely gatherings. How did you approach designing a space that feels equally inviting for both experiences?Â
The first step was understanding the diner’s concept and target audience. Located within a small, self-sustaining community, the surrounding area consists of condominiums housing families and professionals working in the nearby light industrial zone. With various restaurants, fast food chains, bakeries, and convenience stores already present, it was essential to create a space that stands out while remaining welcoming to both fast-paced office workers and families looking for a relaxed meal.
To achieve this, the interior design strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort. By-the-wall seating was incorporated to allow for flexible table arrangements, making it easy to rearrange and join tables for larger family groups or split them for smaller gatherings. On the other side, booth seating was introduced—not only as a fixed feature but as a way to enhance the overall dining experience, creating a cozier atmosphere compared to loose table-and-chair setups. This arrangement also maximizes space efficiency, with each table aligning back-to-back.
To further enhance communal dining, two large round stainless steel tables were placed at the center, bringing back the traditional Chinese-style round dining experience. This helps guests seated in the middle feel more comfortable and less awkward than a standard square table setup.
Effortless Charm and Timeless Appeal – The project emphasizes refined aesthetics that feel natural and enduring. What design choices were most crucial in creating a timeless yet contemporary café environment?
Aside from key design decisions like material selection, spatial composition, and lighting, the most crucial factor was ensuring that every design choice aligned with the budget. The cost of materials, custom features, and furniture had to be carefully evaluated and re-evaluated to strike a balance between aesthetics, durability, and affordability. By making strategic decisions such as using CNC-cut plywood for custom furniture and optimizing material sizes to minimize waste. The design achieved a refined yet cost-effective outcome. This approach ensured that the café not only looked timeless and contemporary but was also practical and sustainable in execution.
