In Aranya, China, the 1402 Coffee Shop embraces a juxtaposition of old and new. Built into existing red-brick architecture, the project is a renovation that includes two parts: the interior space and an outdoor seating area.
Designed by B.L.U.E. Architecture, the architects have inserted a compelling new volume into the existing building. The rectangular volume integrates numerous functional components including seating, waiting area, pour-over bar, display and landscape, while also providing a variety of spatial. The new volume is made with a pigmented Dagu concrete and through the street-facing façade, giving a visual focus to the previously dull façade and encouraging guests to interact with the space.
Fostering interaction between indoors and outdoors, a new glass façade includes fully-operable folding doors and windows that face both onto the square and new outdoor café area.
The outdoor café area includes a cross-shaped platform to further encourage visual continuity between the interior and exterior. The platform further serves to divide the outdoor seating into four areas.
Within the landscape patio area partition walls of different heights have been strategically arranged. Fixed furniture elements including seating, tables and bar tables made of pigmented Dagu concrete create a sense of spatial enclosure and layering of space.
As a contrasting component, light grey exposed aggregate concrete is used for the exterior ground surface, providing a soft and natural atmosphere to the courtyard.
