October 1st marks International Coffee Day, and to celebrate, we explore exceptional projects that exemplify the distinctive attributes and meticulous design considerations behind a diverse array of cafes across the globe.
Architects and designers love coffee, and so does Archinect! This passion led to the launch of our Brutal line of varietals in 2018 with a mission to "source the best beans each season, offering balanced flavor profiles, with a perfect roast."
When describing Brutal, Archinect's founder Paul Petrunia has shared, "I think it’s the honesty of Brutalist architecture that I associate with a great cup of coffee. Stripping everything down to the raw materiality, with a timelessness and strength that doesn’t rely on ornamentation or trends to stand on its own."
Below, we have curated a selection of coffee houses, cafés, and other highly caffeinated spaces that exhibit great design for coffee lovers and architects alike.
In Shanghai's historic Zhang Yuan, Neri&Hu skillfully revamped a 19th-century Shikumen residence into a cafe for Blue Bottle Coffee. Marrying preservation with innovation, the original brick walls, doors, and windows remain intact, allowing the café to seamlessly blend within its historic surroundings. The design introduces a light, modern structure contrasting with the older architecture, featuring brushed stainless steel roofing and perforated steel surfaces. Taking cues from Shanghai's urban fabric, columns are enhanced with metal rods and platforms, doubling as light fixtures and seating. The cafe's ambiance is further enriched by a mix of contemporary Blue Bottle furniture and repurposed traditional pieces.
Bermuda Coffee and Eatery employs the triangle's form, symbolizing stability. Tilted 45 degrees toward the road, the design offers changing views with its pronounced roof elements. Prioritizing quick construction for its leased location, the interior exudes an industrial feel with exposed brick and a visible roof iron frame. Externally, tiered levels focus attention on the central structure, and a lower pathway encourages visitor interaction. Inside, the combination of wood and glass, accentuated by rain on the slanted panes, provides warmth and poetic ambiance.
In Shenyang's Window Gallery, architecture firm Baicai designed a unique pop-up shop for local brand Fatface Coffee, using 300 bottle-green beer crates as the main material for its central bar and stools. Topped with customized cork seat pads and a fitted glass countertop, this innovative design intertwines Shenyang's rich beer culture with its emerging coffee scene. Baicai capitalized on the modular and sustainable aspects of beer crates for an economical and distinct visual identity within the shop. The unconventional layout encourages a more open space where baristas and customers can freely engage.
Located in the historic Union Station, % Arabica's flagship Canadian store boasts a design in collaboration with Tacklebox Architecture, led by Jeremy Barbour. Drawing from the region's glacial and geological features, the interior features a monolithic wall crafted from 3,452 layers of local gypsum wallboard, resulting in 172 faceted blocks. This pristine, geometric backdrop is intermittently adorned with 24 steel niches that showcase coffee bags and merchandise. A continuous white Corian counter serves as the focal point where visitors can enjoy % Arabica's globally-sourced coffees.
Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters in Ho Chi Minh City is dedicated to pioneering Vietnamese coffee on a global scale with its “keeping dreams awake” motto. Its flagship store's design, inspired by the neighboring Saigon Opera House and local culture, retains the site's Art Deco facade, aligning with the Opera House's neutral palette. The store embodies a "performance stage" theme, positioning baristas as artists. The primary elements are the hefty bar and the "fly bar," which seems to float due to its cantilevered design. Transparency is emphasized through full-height glazing, and sustainability is highlighted using eco-friendly flooring from Nora Design Italiano, natural ventilation, and strategic lighting. The space not only offers coffee but champions the artistry of Vietnamese coffee-making.
Tough Planet Coffee's inaugural store, situated in Shanghai's Hengfu Historic District, melds Shanghai's rich cultural heritage with modern vitality. Amidst the red rooftops and lush parasol trees, this district bustles with trendy brands, creating a vibrant community fabric. Tough Planet stands as a unique addition, facilitating diverse urban events from cross-selling to art exhibitions. The cafe occupies an iron-shaped eleven-story building from 2004, emphasizing preservation while adapting to the brand's identity. The first floor boasts a sloping canopy and an elongated coffee table parallel to South Shaanxi Road, while the second floor, the Tough Planet Market, maximizes the structure's geometric nature. Custom lighting enhances the nocturnal ambiance, making the space a hub for urban events and artistic gatherings.
The renovation of three warehouses into a shared complex facilitated the expansion of a brewing business, integrating new sectors for collaboration. Originally consisting of a brewing space, a car detailer, and a mechanic, the transformation required overcoming parking, vehicular circulation, and fire lane access challenges. With innovative solutions, the design team gained municipality approvals, including an alternative approach to fire lane access using moveable barricades. The reimagined space emphasizes community connection, showcasing the brewing process through expansive glass doors, making manufacturing a social activity. Highlighted by a geometric canopy, hardscaped seating areas, and refurbished concrete floors, the design has become a canvas for local artists, celebrating the marriage of commerce and creativity.
In Ari, Bangkok, ASWA architects have designed a restaurant, Khao Niao + Onda cafe, characterized by its unique wavy precast concrete facade, inspired by waves (Onda translates to "Wave" in Italian). Set amidst a high-density area of residences, cafes, and eateries, this L-shaped, single-story, 290-square-meter establishment conceals a tranquil courtyard from the street hustle, aiming to become a notable destination in its locale. The 6-meter tall structure comprises two distinct zones: a main restaurant and kitchen, and a café with service areas, both of which overlook the central semi-indoor courtyard, suitable for hosting small events. The standout facade was innovatively crafted using standard corrugated roof tiles as molds, resulting in large onsite concrete panels, punctuated with half-circle voids. These voids serve to break the facade's massiveness, reveal the warm wooden interiors, and usher in daylight.
Located in the heart of the city, Flask Coffee Shop, conceptualized by artist Chihoon, epitomizes minimalist elegance with a South Korean contemporary touch. Housed within a repurposed shipping container, it connects to a luminous greenhouse terrace through stained glass features. The stark interior, with a stainless steel bar and modular furniture, is offset by black line art from renowned artist Vargas-Suarez Universal, adding intrigue to the minimalist setting.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Chidori cafe offers patrons a unique 'sip and sleep' experience, replicating the coziness of drinking coffee in bed. Inspired by Japanese nap boxes, the cafe's founder, Sa Saito, collaborated with Studio Anettai to transform a classic Vietnamese 'tube house' into a serene cafe. The tall and slim structure features earthy interiors with private pods and bunk beds for guests, redefining the traditional noisy coffee shop ambiance. These wooden pods, complete with curtains and soft lighting, can be pre-booked for two-hour sessions. The cafe also includes a public courtyard on the ground floor, providing a more traditional seating arrangement.
Have you designed an architectural space that should be showcased on Archinect? Additional projects can be considered via our submission form.
No Comments
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.