Sphere Design & Architecture’s Concept for Catia’s Petite.
Sometimes it’s the smallest spaces that leave the biggest impression. That’s exactly the case with Catia’s Petite, the latest creation by Sphere Design & Architecture. Tucked into a prominent corner at The Well Centre in Ballito, this café may be compact in size, but it packs a punch in personality and design.
Sphere Design & Architecture is known for projects that span the spectrum, from shopping centres and hotels to luxury residences, both in South Africa and abroad. But it’s their bespoke, niche concepts, like Catia’s and now Catia’s Petite, where their attention to detail truly shines. As the Sphere team explains, “These projects are more intricate, where we showcase the level of detail that we can bring into every project regardless of scale.”
Catia’s Petite is a reimagining of the original Catia’s at Ballito Junction, adapted for a grab-and-go environment. Positioned on a corner with high visibility, it was the perfect opportunity to create something memorable. “We revisited design elements from the previous project and refined them to create a relaxed, modern space with a sense of understated elegance,” the Sphere team says.
From the outside, the café immediately catches the eye. A canvas awning wraps around the building, offering both shade and a bold visual frame for signage. Below, a striking mosaic wall commands attention and, as the Sphere team notes, provides “a perfect photo opportunity for customers.” This mosaic detail extends through to the tabletops, creating a cohesive design story both inside and out. An external deck, complete with bicycle racks, adds to the café’s appeal, offering a casual, functional space that’s already popular with regulars.
Inside, the palette leans toward warmth and sophistication. Ash timber with a light stain brings fresh, natural tones, while fern green Cemcote walls add depth and texture. Brass accents appear in the signage, floor trims, and counter detailing, delivering “a sense of understated elegance.” The furniture is intentionally pared back, allowing key design elements to take centre stage, like the green marble tabletops, terracotta planters, and a custom breeze block screen that has become “a unique signature element for the Catia’s brand.”
Of course, a café is as much about flow as it is about style. The counter was carefully designed to streamline the customer journey. “In a grab-and-go setting, the flow from ordering to collection is everything; it needs to be seamless and efficient,” the Sphere team explains. Customers pass by a well-stocked fridge and pastry display before placing their orders at the counter, where multiple baristas create a lively and engaging atmosphere. At the far end, a dedicated collection point keeps things moving.
When asked about their favourite feature, the answer is clear. “There are a few features that can be mentioned, but specifically the external wall mosaic. This wall mosaic is a wow factor to customers, and it adds a distinctive touch to the space and brand itself.”
With Catia’s Petite, Sphere Design & Architecture has proven that small doesn’t have to mean simple. By balancing refined design with functionality, they’ve created a café that’s as stylish as it is welcoming. A place where even a quick coffee feels like a moment worth savouring.
