EBBA Architects has reimagined the Cup of Joy café in Marylebone, London, with an artful nod to age-old masonry. Every wall within this Istanbul café chain’s first UK location is constructed by hand, one stone at a time, then enveloped in clay, capturing the timeless essence of craftsmanship through expert artistry.
A sensory journey through materials and material mastery
Stepping into this 168-square-meter space is like entering a living canvas. EBBA Architects centered the design around material immersion, echoing the robust textures and shaded courtyards of Istanbul rather than adhering to overt motifs. The result is a café that feels endemic to its corner, as if it has weathered years of stories through this mastery.
Sculpting the soul of Istanbul
The design began with stone—handpicked and strategically positioned directly on site. EBBA meticulously tested the building process to wrap these stones in a soft, acoustically friendly surface, requiring in-studio trials before execution. This choice of clay material, with its calming properties, absorbs noise and light, creating a serene environment showcasing their craftsmanship.
Each Portland stone slab is set deliberately, giving rise to an ascent of smaller fragments. This plays on Istanbul’s own stone textures, creating surfaces that appear monumental, almost sculptural, rather than mere decoration. The continuous clay finish, a hallmark of their technique, accentuates this effect, leading to an enveloped, monolithic feeling.
Spatial harmony and the art of placement
A continuous datum line runs through the café, integrating the room while guiding the eye. Nooks carved into the thick walls house seating and retail displays, offering intimate moments rather than traditional seating arrangements, highlighting the design mastery.
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The ground floor features an oak bar running diagonally, mirrored in the surrounding custom furniture. This arrangement fosters cohesion, transforming the space into a seamless narrative rather than a series of disconnected areas.
From sculptural to intimate
Above, a timber and opaque glass ceiling ensures an ambient glow throughout the café, providing uniform lighting that counters the harshness often found in hospitality settings. The flooring is woodblock, complementing a terracotta concrete stair matched with a steel structure, visually linking the space.
Descending to the basement, the atmosphere shifts entirely. The sculptural elements give way to softer curves and lower furniture. Beneath a circular oculus, an oak-paneled niche embraces darkness and walnut tones, signaling a change as effectively as signage.
Finishing touches
The lighting design includes custom paper lanterns named Pulse, crafted by EBBA, alongside wall lights from Frandsen and chairs by Frama. These elements subtly harmonize the space, a testament to the studio’s holistic approach. The thoughtful continuation of hand-placed stones and the meticulous clay finishes connect seamlessly with every crafted detail, unifying the design and welcoming guests into a tranquil retreat.
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EBBA Architects has crafted a compelling narrative in Cup of Joy’s new London location, perfectly marrying culture, design, and history through skillful techniques.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
How did EBBA Architects design the London café?
EBBA Architects designed the London café by reimagining it with an artful nod to age-old masonry. They constructed every wall by hand, using stone enveloped in clay, which captures the timeless essence of craftsmanship.
What materials were used in the Cup of Joy café?
The materials used in the Cup of Joy café include handpicked stones, clay for wrapping the stones, Portland stone slabs, woodblock flooring, terracotta concrete, and a steel structure for the stair.
How does the café design reflect Istanbul’s influence?
The café’s design reflects Istanbul’s influence by echoing the robust textures and shaded courtyards of the city. The handpicked stones and clay finishes create surfaces that appear monumental and sculptural, reminiscent of Istanbul’s stone textures.