LIMBO Manufactory

STUDIO SHOO, a bureau specialising in public interiors, has unveiled LIMBO Manufactory – a multifunctional gastronomic destination that unites a bakery, coffee roasting facility and guest space within a single architectural framework. Housed in a standalone, two-level building, the project is conceived as a cohesive spatial system in which production and hospitality are seamlessly interwoven, offering a fluid experience that bridges making and gathering.

At the heart of the spatial concept is a double-height guest hall, defined by tall window openings that draw generous natural light deep into the interior. This vertical volume allows daylight to animate the space throughout the day, subtly registering the passage of time. The building’s original shell-and-core condition informs a materially honest approach, with the design team working directly with existing surfaces and textures.

Developed in close collaboration with LIMBO’s founder, Australian chef Tom Halpin, the brief called for a distinctive yet coherent environment aligned with the brand’s values of openness and cosiness. Rather than focusing solely on form, the process was guided by atmosphere and sensory experience.

"It was a rewarding experience working with Tom – he was deeply engaged from the outset. He spoke less about form and more about sensation – what a guest should feel and experience. This became fundamental for us: to preserve the atmosphere of a true manufactory, where everything unfolds in real time. All design decisions stemmed from this," says Shushana Khachatrian, founder of STUDIO SHOO.

A defining feature of the project is the visibility of production. Rather than being concealed, technical areas are integrated into the spatial narrative, allowing visitors to observe both baking and coffee roasting as they unfold. This openness deepens engagement while reinforcing the authenticity of the space.

The interior composition is grounded in a dialogue between industrial and tactile elements. Existing concrete and brick surfaces are retained and complemented by solid oak furniture, richly textured fabrics and planting. A palette of natural, earthy tones, including terracotta, tempers the rawness of the structure, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while preserving its industrial character.

"Part of our visual sensibility was shaped in Australia – reflected in the openness of the space and the attention to detail. Interpreting these principles within a local context felt particularly rewarding," Shushana adds.

The layout unfolds as a sequence of spatial experiences, guided by subtle visual cues. At the entrance, open displays of baked goods and desserts establish an immediate connection with the product. To the right, the coffee roaster is partially integrated into a viewing area. Further within, a glazed partition separates the guest space from production while maintaining visual continuity, with seating arranged alongside to encourage observation.

The guest area is organised into two distinct zones. The front is designed for shorter visits, with a linear sofa and compact tables, while the rear offers a more relaxed setting with round tables and a communal table suited to larger groups, tastings and workshops.

LIMBO Manufactory exemplifies an approach to hospitality design in which process is integral to the guest experience, and architecture acts as a medium through which it is framed, interpreted and brought into focus.