sea of undulating bricks floods chinese cinema café interiors by one plus partnership

brick waves ripple inside CAFÉ and cinema by one plus partnership

Hong Kong-based design firm One Plus Partnership unveils the Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar in Haikou, China. Created under the concept of Footprints Fade, Waves Embrace, the project draws inspiration from the coastal allure of Hainan. Wave-like structures flow across walls and ceilings, layered through bricks of varying lengths and shades of topaz. Rough in texture yet polished, these bricks are formed from the sands of nearby beaches, adding an earthy quality. Subtle glass panels allow sunlight to permeate the café of the cinema, casting reflections that resemble sunlight glistening off waves. From every angle, the interior reveals layers of flowing forms—curving and undulating across floors, walls, and countertops in marine patterns. Concealed lighting and hidden vents, only visible from certain perspectives, add a rich depth that speaks to the attention to detail throughout the space.

curves fill the interior of Gaoxingli Insun Cinema and Coffee Bar

The interior crafted by the team at One Plus Partnership feels alive with motion; brick waves ripple, inviting guests in, while lights trace a steady path along the floor. Tables and chairs follow the wave motif, with curved edges flaring softly like bells. Some bricks rise like hills, while others lie low, seemingly bowing to the overall design. Even the floor mirrors this motif, with gentle waves in muted gray, subtly lit to guide each step and prevent missteps. The flowing curves extend into countertops and booths, with color and shape combinations that evoke waves formed from unexpected materials. As one moves through the space, light and shadow play across textured surfaces, reminiscent of the soothing landscapes one meets on riversides or beaches. 

autumnal hues saturate the auditorium and lobby

In the auditorium, colors and textures merge in sweeping strokes that swirl around the walls like a painter’s brush. The dimensional fabric lining the walls resembles freshly cut wood, layered in patterns that echo the design of the lobby, while the seating arrangements and warm colors evoke the ambiance of a florist’s atelier. A faint scent of lavender and peonies lingers in the air, blending with the warm hues to enhance the sense of comfort.

Throughout the cinema, subtle pastels and autumnal shades wrap around pillars and chairs, adding a gentle, cohesive warmth. In the lobby, guests can relax in copper-toned seating upholstered with plush, velvety fabric, the earthy tones reminiscent of autumn leaves and pumpkin spice—a scene curated for the comfort of fall.

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project info:

name: Gaoxingli Insun Cinema – Coffee Bar
architect: One Plus Partnership | @onepluspartnership
location: Haikou, China