Visualizing ÄNG: A Case Study

Ian Hakes

3D Designer
Visual Artist
3D Renderer
Adobe Photoshop
Autodesk 3ds Max
Chaos Corona

Project Overview

Picture this: a modern greenhouse cafe nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Ästad Vingård, Norway. That’s the dream we helped turn into reality! The goal? To craft a space where visitors feel completely connected to nature while enjoying a sleek, minimalist vibe. Think serene haven, natural light galore, and stylish yet functional furniture blending seamlessly with lush greenery.
Modern minimalism meets lush greenery: A bright, open bar space with stunning outdoor views.
Modern minimalism meets lush greenery: A bright, open bar space with stunning outdoor views.
Our client’s vision wasn’t just about creating a cafe—it was about curating an experience. We were all in. The brand’s focus is on designing unique, inviting spaces that go beyond the ordinary—a perfect fit for those who love the finer details. And with Ästad Vingård’s stunning views as the backdrop, this cafe promised to be a showstopper.

Inspiration & Vision

So, here’s the deal: the client needed to generate some serious buzz for their cafe while it was still under construction. They came to us for high-quality visuals that could double as marketing gold—teasers for social media, blog posts, and even a flashy promo video. These images weren’t just about showing off; they were about giving people a taste of what was coming and getting them excited long before opening day.
Capturing cozy elegance: Soft seating and natural wood frames create the perfect indoor-outdoor vibe.
Capturing cozy elegance: Soft seating and natural wood frames create the perfect indoor-outdoor vibe.
But there was more to it. The client also wanted the freedom to see the design in detail and make tweaks before anything became permanent. These visuals weren’t just marketing tools; they were decision-making tools. It was all about making sure every detail aligned with the vision and keeping everyone—from partners to collaborators—on the same page.

Design Journey

We started by diving into the details—floor plans, elevations, location info, furniture picks, materials, and inspiration images. With everything in hand, we got to work recreating the space from the ground up. First up was a grayscale model of the site, focusing on the structure and layout to ensure accuracy, keeping the exterior elements simple at this stage.
Clay render preview: Laying the foundation for a seamless blend of design and nature.
Clay render preview: Laying the foundation for a seamless blend of design and nature.
Once we nailed the layout, we began adding furniture and custom pieces, making sure to capture that greenhouse vibe. Special care was given to the exterior, as the cafe needed to feel truly connected to nature. To match the rainy, cloudy day atmosphere, we adjusted the lighting and shadows accordingly. With cameras in place, we sent a preview to the client for feedback. After refining the design based on their input, we moved forward with final materials, lighting, and exterior tweaks, creating medium-resolution images for review before delivering the high-res final shots.
Refining the bar area: Balancing concrete textures and wood finishes for a sleek, modern look.
Refining the bar area: Balancing concrete textures and wood finishes for a sleek, modern look.

Final Results

The final visuals were everything the client envisioned and more. Picture stepping into a space flooded with natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows, framing a lush, green landscape outside. The high, slanted ceilings with sleek black metal beams added an airy, open feel, while modern pendant lights provided the perfect touch of elegance.
Expansive glass windows frame the greenery, offering a peaceful retreat for cafe visitors.
Expansive glass windows frame the greenery, offering a peaceful retreat for cafe visitors.
The seating areas featured cozy, light gray fabric sofas with natural wood frames, adding warmth to the minimalist vibe. Each sofa was paired with a simple wooden coffee table, keeping things cohesive and stylish. The highlight? A concrete kitchen island with wooden bar stools, showcasing a beautiful blend of materials. Potted plants completed the look, bringing in a serene, nature-inspired atmosphere that perfectly married modern design with the surrounding greenery.
Warm wood textures and simple design: A closer look at the minimalist coffee table setup.
Warm wood textures and simple design: A closer look at the minimalist coffee table setup.

Lasting Impressions

Even as a simulation, these visuals could make a big splash for a real client. They’re versatile enough for marketing campaigns, stakeholder meetings, social media buzz, magazine features, and website content—reaching a wide audience and maximizing engagement across platforms.
Close-up of handcrafted glassware, adding a touch of sophistication to the setting.
Close-up of handcrafted glassware, adding a touch of sophistication to the setting.
High-quality renders like these don’t just sell a vision; they offer a clear, detailed preview of the final design. This means clients can make confident decisions and adjustments before construction wraps up, ensuring everything aligns with their goals. By providing an immersive look at the future cafe, these visuals help build anticipation and set the tone for a truly successful launch.
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