Ground Coffee House- Hilton

We were approached by our friends Craig and Kristi, who told us about their exciting new venture – opening a speciality coffee house in the heart of Hilton (KZN). After reviewing their vision & style choices, it was a no-brainer! We were sold. This project was mutually beneficial, as a showcase of our workmanship and a beautifully shop fitted cafe, in a style and price bracket that worked for them.

We got to work straight away and began on design and final aesthetic. Craig, being a highly skilled mechanical engineer, was leaving no detail to chance! Careful planning was done ahead of time, to ensure that the vision he had in mind would line up perfectly with the end result. I remember Craig doing some pretty technical calculations on how we were going to fit the L-shaped bench into the corner of the room, where the wall wasn’t a perfect 90 degrees. This approach was at times quite a challenge for us. There are many factors to consider – staying on budget, quality of workmanship and timeline to keep in check. I will say that Craig’s eye for the smallest detail both pushed and challenged us to become even better at what we do, and to his credit, shines through in the principles of his own business.

We were ecstatic to have finished this beautiful space so close to home, both literally and figuratively. It embodies the minimalist/Scandinavian style that we are so fond of creating. The entire shop was furnished with solid Ash, with dark Danish oil finish, and the continuity of Craig’s clean timber theme can be seen throughout the store – from the bar-front cladding, furniture, as well as shelving and signage. Thank you, Craig and Kristi, for trusting our sense of style, accepting our advice about dimension as well as placement of items where you were unsure. All in all, you have a wonderful space, that depicts sophistication in a minimal, clean, unobtrusive style and allows the customer to experience what really matters – THE FREAKING AMAZING COFFEE!

Go and check them out, have a cuppa (truly some of the best you’ve ever had) and admire the view of the Drakensberg.

*Check out updates on their Facebook page Ground Coffee House

*Photographs by Kristi Smith Photography