The D-U Duka Collection is situated within the Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal Scenic Area, famously known as the “Exclusive Land of Jiangnan Water Alleys and Canals,” adjacent to the Zhishe Nanchan Guanshui Hotel. While preserving the overall stylistic harmony of the region, this project also emphasizes its diversity as an independent aesthetic space.
Overview of the Coffee Shop © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
The old street retains the traditional charm of an ancient riverside town, complete with small bridges and flowing waters characteristic of the southern pond. Achieving a balance between the heritage of Jiangnan Old Street and modern coffee culture posed both a challenge and a central focus for architect Ben Zhe in his design approach.
Entrance to the Coffee Shop © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
The entrance has been thoughtfully updated: the original closed lattice windows were replaced with delicate wooden lattice designs, lending a lighter, simpler, and warmer feel. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows, framed in wood and protruding outward, create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. On the side, an open passageway leads into the interior, featuring a winding path made of brown sand and green stone slabs, evoking the gentle ambiance of Jiangnan.
△ Art Exhibition Area © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
Behind the solid wood entrance lies the art exhibition area, serving multiple functions as a reception, art salon, and exhibition hall. Here, the reception desk and leisure benches can instantly transform into a bar counter and exhibition booth, respectively. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows divide the art space and coffee area, allowing both to visually extend into each other.
△ Dining Area © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
The central dining area is elevated to form a tatami-style space inspired by Japanese design. A solid wood bar counter and water bar complement the sunken leisure area, which features multiple bookshelves, creating an engaging visual interplay with the staggered interior levels. The constant sound of flowing water from the adjacent window, the gentle sway of tree shadows, and the unobstructed views of the inner courtyard add to the tranquil atmosphere.
The semi-open water bar encourages interaction between baristas and guests © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
△ Tatami Area © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
The semi-open water bar enhances communication between baristas and guests, making every stage of coffee preparation—from grinding to extraction—visible and engaging. The overhead space was redesigned to create a unique geometric order through intersecting lines.
△ Newly Poured Concrete Channel © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
△ Courtyard © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
At the junction between the art space and coffee area, a narrow, newly poured concrete channel bridges the interior and exterior, evoking a strong sense of “time travel.” The sunken Jiangnan courtyard is elegant and distinctive, inviting visitors to immerse themselves and steal away a leisurely half-day.
△ Details © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
△ Architectural Exterior © Architectural Space Photography Kagawa
Jiangnan Old Street, nestled beside the ancient canal and filled with the aroma of coffee. The D-U Duka Collection presents a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western cultural influences.
△ Layout Plan © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ Front Elevation View © Ben Zhe Architecture
△ Side Elevation View © Ben Zhe Architecture
Project Information
Project Name: D-U Duka Collection
Location: 135 Nanxiatang Street, Wuxi City, China
Design Firm: Shanghai Benzhe Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Website: www.benzhedesign.com
Building Area: 148 m²
Principal Architect: Jiang Huajian
Design Date: June 2019
Construction Date: August 2019
Completion Date: December 2019
Design Guidance: Ben Zhe Architectural Design
Photography: Form in Space Photography | Kagawa
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