Nestled between two ordinary residential buildings in Bucharest lies “The Chapel,” a micro-café that stands out as a vibrant urban highlight with its unique design and innovative use of space. This single-story modern structure was designed by Ștefan Păvăluță, founder and chief architect of the Romanian studio Vinklu. Its distinctive triangular roofline and minimalist decor accentuate the building’s narrow characteristics.
Though the interior is compact—accommodating only one barista and a few customers—it achieves an airy, transparent ambiance through expansive glass windows and wooden finishes, seamlessly blending the outdoors’ greenery into the space. Outdoor benches provide additional seating for patrons.
More than just a café, “The Chapel” embodies urban design ingenuity. It brilliantly transforms an overlooked urban gap into a lively social hub through meticulous attention to proportion, materials, and lighting.
The architect also thoughtfully integrated the surrounding environment, particularly a mature tree along the street, ensuring harmony between the structure and nature. This project exemplifies how design can unlock hidden urban potential, serving as a vivid testament to innovation, the aesthetics of intimate spaces, and the transformative power of architecture.
All photos by Vlad Patru, courtesy of Vinklu, shared with permission
