Cambridge University Sports Cafe
In March 2024, we completed the redesign of the café at the Cambridge University Sports Centre. The brief was clear: transform a tired, underused space into a light, functional and welcoming environment for students, regulars and visitors alike.
Our scope included interior design, 3D visualisation, FF&E selection, full project management and the delivery of a seamless fit-out. The result is a multifunctional café that balances flow, flexibility and warmth, providing a space that works equally well as a social hub, a study spot and a place to recharge.
The client wanted to create a calming, feel-good atmosphere rooted in biophilic design principles. We focused on natural textures, soft neutrals and warming timber tones, with a generous amount of real planting supplied by The Good Plant Company. Greens are used throughout the palette, not just in foliage, but extended to the custom timber slatting for a cohesive and grounded look.
The space now feels lighter, more fluid and inviting, creating a strong connection between the indoors and the natural energy of the sports centre around it.
Sustainability was baked into the design from the start. Existing furniture was refreshed and reused, with booth seating reupholstered and the TV wall wrapped in vinyl by CIM Signs & Graphics rather than replaced.
Layered planting and natural finishes create a welcoming atmosphere in the university sports café.
The final scheme brings together considered materials, local partnerships and low-impact choices. Shaw’s Architecture III carpet tiles were chosen for both their look and recyclability, laid over an underlay that protects the subfloor for future restoration.
From bespoke timber panelling to artwork by a Cambridge-based artist, every detail was delivered in collaboration with local makers, grounding the project in its community and ensuring it lasts well beyond the final fit-out.
Working with Layrd Design has been a real pleasure. We started with quite a vague brief, not really knowing what we wanted, but knowing more about what we didn't want. Eleanor and Will took the time to listen before presenting us with their ideas.
We were really pleased with what they suggested and despite questioning some of the choices, trusted them to make decisions in order to achieve the perfect mix of functionality and beautiful aesthetics. They spent time showing us examples of materials, colours and fabrics to be used which left everyone involved in the project feeling excited.
The refurbishment was completed on time and within the agreed schedule. The end result is beyond amazing, we are so pleased with it. They have managed to create a space that although feels fresh and new, feels like it has always been there. It fits into the existing space beautifully and the feedback from our customers has been superb. The only problem now is that people don't want to leave!
A big thanks to everyone involved in the project at Layrd Design and we look forward to the next time.
