When Rohith and Vikas—founders of a well-loved specialty coffee brand—approached us for their newest outpost in Hyderabad, their brief was clear: each location must evoke its own sensibility while staying minimal and grounded. This branch would be no different—yet entirely distinct.
This Coffee House Serves Specialty Coffee Along With Great Design | NaaV Studio
The site came to us as a bare-bones metal frame structure, defined by a soaring 35-foot- high volume and a fractured mezzanine slab. From that structural skeleton, we began sculpting both form and function. The designers’ first move was to anchor the space with a central counter—a linear block of mild steel that’s left bare, aged, and sealed, that echoed the burnt earth tones that inspired the material palette. Tucked behind it, we planned circulation: a staircase rising to the mezzanine, and a concealed restroom, so the remaining volume could breathe.
Material restraint became a defining characteristic. Earthy brown tones—reminiscent of oxidised surfaces and dry clay—dominate the space in layered monochrome. They wrapped the floor and walls in a deep, matte finish that blurs lines and quiets contrast. Yet the space doesn’t feel enclosed.
That’s thanks to three sides of full-height glass—floor-to-ceiling, nearly edge-to-edge. These transparent façades extend the visual envelope far beyond the interior, drawing in the leafy streetscape and diffused sunlight. The softly dropped blinds don’t merely filter harsh light—they serve as a theatrical canvas for shadows of trees, passersby, and movement. At different times of day, the café shifts in mood—never static, always in dialogue with its surroundings.
They dispersed the seating thoughtfully across both levels: intimate pockets on the ground floor and quieter, more elevated nooks upstairs. A narrow outdoor balcony offers another layer of experience—perfect for a quick solo brew or late afternoon people-watching. The staircase itself, with a glass balustrade and exposed steel frame, becomes a sculptural transition between the two levels, accentuating the height and depth of the structure.
Ceiling elements are left raw—ducts and lighting run along a grid of exposed mild steel pipes, guiding the eye through the space without overwhelming it. The outdoor area is kept casual and functional, with fixed low-height seating encouraging short stays or group gatherings.
Despite its bold materiality, the café feels quiet. It’s minimal, but warm. Robust, but calm. Every detail—from the placement of the counter to the way sunlight slices through in the morning—was considered to serve the experience of slowing down. Much like the specialty coffee it serves, the space grounds you. It invites pause. This outpost, like the others in the brand’s portfolio, reframes minimalism with a new lens—this time, through the raw elegance of burnt tones, filtered light, and elemental textures.
Fact File
Designed by: NaaV Studio
Project Type: Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
Project Name: True Black Coffee Bar
Location: Hyderabad
Year Built: 2025
Built-up Area: 4500 sqft
Principal Architects: Varsha Reddy & Niharika Didige
Team Design Credits: Vaishnavi Patil, Abina V N
Photograph Courtesy: Sankeerth Jonnada
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: NaaV Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: NaaV Studio
For Similar Project >>> This Modern Coffee Shop Brings Creativity And Culture Under One Roof
Tucked within the leafy lanes of Sagar Society, Hyderabad, this 7,450 sq. ft. villa rises as a contemporary residence deeply anchored in tradition and nature. Three towering trees frame the structure at its entry, their organic silhouettes tempering the scale of the built form and setting the stage for a home that balances architectural gravitas […]
Rooted in a newer extension of the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, this abode represents a fine tune of modern design sensibility with timeless material expression and spatial volumetric connections. A home for a family of 4 which balances openness with privacy, functionality with aesthetics and luxury with warmth. The physical orientation of the east facing […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]