Silver Specialty Coffee in Hyderabad captures the drink’s journey through time

Ever wondered what makes coffee one of the world’s most loved drinks? While there are no wrong answers, the impetus to transform a former residence into the simplistic yet retro-futuristic Silver Specialty Coffee house in Hyderabad sprouted out of a yearning to honour its architectural heritage while weaving in hints of the future — much like coffee’s journey through time. 

“Transforming a 27-year-old property into a modern coffee house meant preserving its charm while allowing guests to experience architecture as they would have a good cup of coffee-layer by layer,” begins Kushal, Principal Architect at Studio KXS. “This vision allowed us to create a space where the past and future meet, a unique timeline that speaks to both the tradition and the evolution of coffee culture,” he adds.

Tour the cafe

As one steps foot into Silver Specialty Coffee, each nook appears to vie for attention. Minimalist lines and lush greenery guide you to the warm, coffee-toned interior, where a 25-foot boulder anchors the space, seamlessly blending it with nature. A ramp flanked by tall walls partially conceals the coffee house, hinting at what lies ahead. Passing these walls, you’re greeted by a striking contrast — a sleek concrete box extending from the historic building, framing the barista at work like a living painting. 

As is the case with most names, this coffee house’s name draws inspiration from the possibilities that tomorrow may bring. The name ‘Silver’ was chosen to evoke a sense of the future — a colour that symbolises progress and innovation. 

The ingredients that make it

Fusing old with the new comes with its set of challenges. But the beauty lies in the retention of the essence. “The original white exterior of the house remains, but it’s punctuated by bold, futuristic elements—like concrete boxes that protrude from the building and sleek silver bands, creating a striking contrast between past, present, and future,” Kushal tells us of the space that bears a placating energy, wrapped in subtle hues of whites, greys, and silvers. 

The balance comes through the use of geometry. Silver Specialty Coffee encourages guests to question why and how, sparking conversations that unravel the story of the space, its history, and the journey of coffee.” 

Beyond the ground-floor seating, an inviting staircase leads to the first floor set amid greenery, where additional seating surrounds a coffee roaster, filling the air with rich aromas. As you reach the first floor, a striking ceiling design crowns the space. The walls are carefully removed to open up the space, while original features like an  internal staircase, a large boulder on the ground floor and classic cornices were preserved to honour the past. 

“This rock, which the building literally sits upon, symbolises the deep-rooted connection between the property and nature. We preserved it as an essential part of the design, allowing it to anchor the space and convey a sense of permanence,” he informs. Adjusting the facade and interior layout without losing its authenticity was challenging, but by immersing ourselves on-site. “We envisioned how guests would walk in and feel the blend of history, design, and coffee culture in every detail,” he concludes.

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