Ms. Elliot at Hock Bee – JUJURWORK

Ms. Elliot Café in Kuantan's Hock Bee Brothers Building, known for its historic significance and unique design, incorporates forgotten onyx tiles into its coffee bar, emphasizing sustainability.

Nestled along Jalan Besar, the main street of the tranquil town of Kuantan on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the Hock Bee Brothers Building has stood as a cherished architectural treasure for over five decades.

It holds a special place in the collective memory of Kuantan’s residents, with its unique design and historical significance interwoven with the town’s multicultural tapestry.

This building, comprised of two prewar shop lots, features an impressive 40-foot-wide front facade characterized by five recessed bays separated by vertical fins.

Notably, the front-facing windows are designed as geometric prisms, serving both practical purposes of lighting and ventilation and adding an understated aesthetic touch.

The enduring appeal of the building’s well-thought-out design has made it an integral part of Kuantan’s urban heritage.

In 2022, a new chapter began with the opening of Ms. Elliot, a café restaurant occupying the ground and mezzanine floors of the Hock Bee Brothers Building.

The aim was to honor the building’s history and maintain its original character. Unlike other renovations, the building did not require a flashy “design” as it possessed an abundance of charm.

The central focus of the original office, a display cabinet, was replaced with a multi-layered onyx installation that now serves as the café’s reception coffee bar.

While exploring a nearby stone yard, we chanced upon a cache of overlooked onyx tiles.

The stone yard was on the verge of closing, and these tiles had been hidden away for years.

Recognizing their potential, we decided to make them the centerpiece of our coffee bar’s design, with a strong commitment to using them responsibly.

The onyx tiles are now a testament to our connection with the past and our dedication to sustainability.

They’ve become an integral part of our café’s design, reminding us that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places.

To enhance the spatial symmetry, two thick entryway walls have been introduced on either side of the room.

These entryways provide access to the ground-floor dining rooms behind the louvered partition and to the mezzanine floor via the stairwell.

As visitors pass through the entryway walls, the ceiling height decreases, creating an intimate atmosphere.

This transformation has liberated the space that once housed private offices and a vault, now accommodating cozy dining booths overlooking the front café.

Toward the back, two original skylights introduce natural light and air into a double-height dining hall adorned with long walnut dining tables.

Hanging light tubes that resemble floating candles are arranged symmetrically, further establishing the central axis of the building.

On the mezzanine floor, vintage wood panels have been lovingly restored, creating three independent dining and lounge spaces for more private gatherings.

A small balcony extends from the mezzanine, offering a delightful spot to bask in the natural light from the central skylight.

An old wooden congratulatory plaque with intricate calligraphy carvings, found on-site, now overlooks the balcony.