A former warehouse in Tokyo becomes an immersive coffee sanctuary in Koffee Mameya Kakeru, where Fourteen Stones Design crafts a space that merges history, materiality, and the art of coffee.
Tasked with transforming a former warehouse into a refined space for barista Eiichi Kunitomo, the Tokyo-based studio pursued an architectural approach that respects the site’s historical character while introducing a spatial choreography that enhances the art of coffee preparation. By maintaining the original facade and inserting a meticulous, modern interior, the design creates a dialogue between past and present—an interplay of texture, materiality, and purpose.
At the core of the café’s design is a striking white oak frame that defines the entrance, echoing the form of Koffee Mameya’s signature packaging. This structural motif extends into the space, guiding visitors toward the central U-shaped bar, where black granite workbenches serve as the stage for baristas to perform their craft. This deliberate spatial arrangement elevates coffee-making to an immersive experience, reinforcing Kunitomo’s vision of the barista as a figure akin to a sommelier—an expert who bridges the gap between customer and roastery. In this setting, coffee is not merely served but curated, presented in a format that mirrors the precision and ceremony of fine dining.
Materiality plays a crucial role in grounding the concept. Jura Yellow limestone, embedded with fossils from the Jurassic era, graces the service countertops—a poetic nod to time and transformation, much like the coffee beans’ own journey from cultivation to cup. Custom white oak furniture, designed by Yosuke Hayashi and crafted by E&Y, seamlessly integrates with the architectural language, reinforcing the tactile warmth of the space. The overall effect is a meditative retreat where coffee is elevated beyond a daily ritual into a moment of considered indulgence.
