# Repurposed Minimalist Cafes These Architects Take This Old Workshop and Turn It into a Cafe By Gurveer Brah | Published 2015-08-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repurposed-minimalist-cafe References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2015/8/melbourne-code-black-coffee-cafe-interior-design) & [zwei.au](http://zwei.com.au/) One architecture firm saw an opportunity with an old mechanic workshop and turned it into a repurposed minimalist cafe. The Australian architecture firm 'ZWEI' took on the challenge of turning a [car mechanic workshop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-blue-bottle-coffee-west-bund) into a modernistic cafe. The formerly gritty spot, located in North Melbourne is now the 'Code Black' cafe which was creatively repurposed as a place people can stay for an extended period of time to enjoy the ambiance and a cup of coffee. Maintaining only its older exterior brick wall from the former design, the location now features light colors with a completely [open space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-bottle-coffee-shinsaibashi) with tables surrounding one large cashier/serving station. The seating is encouraging and warm as the repurposed minimalist cafe tries to create a light atmosphere that is inviting and socially engaging. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Repurposing Industrial Spaces:** Businesses can look to repurpose old industrial spaces for modernistic and inviting businesses. - **Minimalist Design:** Businesses can adopt minimalist design principles to create a light and inviting atmosphere. - **Extended Stay Cafés:** Cafés can create a space where people can stay for longer periods to enjoy the ambiance and socialize. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture & Design:** Architecture firms can take on the challenge of repurposing industrial spaces while adopting minimalist design principles to create inviting spaces. - **Food & Beverage:** Cafés can cater to the needs of customers who are looking for a place to stay for an extended period and encourage a more social environment. - **Hospitality:** Hotels can adopt the extended stay concept and adopt minimalist design principles to create an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy and stay for an extended period. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Boldly Designed Minimal Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vinklu.md) - [Pared-Back Coffee Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-bottle-coffee-shop1.md) - [Spaciously Modern City Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandor-coffee.md) - [Art Deco Café Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atypique-1.md) - [Cross-Influence Fusion Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/challe-caf.md) - [Compact Urban Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-chapel.md) - [Dynamic Layered Interior Cafés](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caf-tondo.md) - [Reconfigured Calm City Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latelier.md) - [Minimally Designed Revamped Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etch-restaurant.md)