Olenka Coffee launched in Eryaman as a concept space that carries the calm Mediterranean coffee culture into Ankara's busy life. At Kaya + Partners, we set out to bring the warm, generous and timeless atmosphere of coastal towns to an inland city — and to do so with a layout that places families at the centre.
Brief — A Mediterranean Break in Ankara
The owner of Olenka Coffee dreamed of an escape point in Eryaman's fast-growing residential fabric — somewhere you could step away from the city's pace. The brief was clear: a Mediterranean-spirited space focused on coffee, where families could comfortably spend time, photogenic but not showy. In a district like Eryaman with a dense young-family population, building "a coffee experience the parent visiting with their child also enjoys" became the project's starting point.
Design Language — White Arches and Warm Texture
The backbone of the concept was the architectural grammar of the Cycladic islands: lime-white surfaces, soft-line arches, natural wood and woven textures. In the two-storey layout, the ground floor was assigned to coffee preparation and seating, and the upper floor to a calmer terrace. The sequential white arches on the façade both control how the sun enters and give the space a rhythmic, inviting identity. Palm trees and greenery keep the Mediterranean feeling alive even in Ankara's continental climate.
Children's Area — A Coffee Space Designed for Families
The most distinctive decision of the project was the children's area integrated into the space. Considering Eryaman's family-heavy profile, we set up a play zone where parents can safely watch their children while drinking their coffee. This area sits in harmony with the café's general aesthetic — the same soft colours, natural materials and open layout — but is detailed to the scale and safety of children. This approach turned the space from an ordinary café into a meeting point families return to again and again. See the detailed design of the children's area →
Coffee and Roastery Experience
Olenka Coffee is not just a café, but also a roastery. We made the process from roasting the coffee bean to serving it part of the space; the guest witnesses the story of the coffee they drink. The bar and prep area are positioned to deliver both operational efficiency and a visual experience.
Material and Atmosphere
The warmth of the space comes from the details: lime-plastered walls, natural wood surfaces, woven (rattan) pendant lighting and plenty of plants. The space, lit by natural light during the day, takes on an entirely different atmosphere in the evening with the soft glow of rattan pendants. Every material was chosen with the principle of "feels good to touch."
Outcome
Olenka Coffee Eryaman has become a meeting point for coffee lovers, remote workers and especially families. By bringing the timeless language of the Mediterranean into the heart of Ankara, the project became a fine example of the gravitational pull created when the right concept meets the right location.
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