PROJECT
Bakery, Coffee Shop, Hospitality
CLIENT
Tonton Grain
LOCATION
Lausanne, Vortex, Unil, EPFL Campus
In the bustling student city of Lausanne, Switzerland, a unique Coffeeshop Bakery design graces the campus of the university.
The project emphasis on a specialty coffee bakery with a small seating area. This venture is more than just a place to savour coffee; it’s an ode to material sensitive design & strong values.
Creating this captivating space wasn’t without its challenges. The design team was tasked with preserving the existing brown terracotta floor, working within a limited space, and optimizing the client flow while ensuring an efficient workspace.
The architectural elements at play include several arches that define the space’s unique character. HOXAR STUDIO integrated velvet red curtains, which add a touch of luxury and intimacy to the design.
The core of the design revolves around warm, earthy tones, ranging from the shades of orange from the south, the combination of travertine and Spanish marble, and light shelves made of thin wooden laths, inspired by Japanese joinery.
HOXAR STUDIO’s commitment to natural elements and minimalism shines through.
Every surface in this cosy coffeeshop-bakery tells a story of materials meticulously chosen. The floor, an earthy brown monochrome resin, welcomes visitors with warmth. Smooth walls, devoid of any distracting textures, allow the light to bounce directly onto the pastries
The vertical surfaces of the counter showcase travertine, celebrating earthy tones ranging from delicate beige to light brown. Horizontal surfaces, especially the counters, highlight the elegance of crema marfil marble sourced from Spain.
A remarkable aspect of the design is the matrix logic-inspired wooden laths assembled for the shelves, offering both functionality and a sense of lightness. The lasure-treated wood, especially for cabinets, seating and library, brings a natural, inviting feeling that resonates with the design philosophy of HOXAR STUDIO.
Crafting an Atmosphere with using an earthy and pastel Palette
The design palette is a harmonious blend of earthy tones. The floor’s deep brown monochrome evokes the essence of a rich, inviting cup of coffee. The walls are painted in two shades of monochromatic orange: the counter side features a warm, intense orange with a hint of yellow to accentuate the freshly baked bread, while the client side exudes a deeper shade, reminiscent of Persian and peach oranges, exuding an unmistakable sense of coziness.
This design consistency extends to the cream marfil marble’s cream-colored surfaces with fine, hairline-thin veins. The travertine vertical surfaces continue to celebrate earthy tones, enhancing the space’s natural ambiance. To unify the design, HOXAR STUDIO subtly incorporates a lasure touch of orange in all wooden elements.
Experience Redefined: Features and Parcours
The space, shaped in an L configuration, greets guests with a cozy library, marble tables, and bench seating, the perfect spot for students to unwind with a coffee and a book. The specialty coffee bakery menu features the finest coffees, pastries crafted by the renowned “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Tomas Marie, custom sandwiches, and fresh juices, all sourced locally.
As you enter, a fixed coin on the floor adds a playful twist to the atmosphere. Every detail, from wooden chairs with rattan seats to the central turning point, a magnificent La Marzocco coffee machine, weaves a narrative of creating the most memorable experience for guests and staff. HOXAR STUDIO leaves no stone unturned in ensuring a cohesive design that invites guests into a world with a strong identity.
A Campus Marvel: Location and Values
This extraordinary space resides in the heart of the university campus, precisely on the ground floor of the Vortex, an architectural marvel that houses 1000 students. The design concept was rooted in creating a welcoming place where predominantly student customers could feel at home.
It was essential to match the values of high-quality services provided to students with a meticulous choice of materials. HOXAR STUDIO ensured that this coffee bakery wasn’t just about serving coffee but also offering an environment that emanates warmth and care.
Branding with Thought: Graphic Identity and Furniture
HOXAR STUDIO extended their design prowess into every corner of the bakery, designing the brand identity, establishing the name, and articulating the core values of the space.
Setting up a strong graphic indentity: The Menu color choices are striking, ensuring readability. As the primary audience comprises students, the iconography and illustrations were crafted to spark smiles, featuring charming characters like a toast or a hotdog man. Every piece of furniture and fixture is custom-made, optimized for the cozy space.
The tables, created with 4cm cream marble tops, encourage closeness among clients, with the upholstery matching the floor’s warm color.
The wooden laths matrix shelves offer functionality and a sense of lightness, allowing breadcrumbs from bread to crumble through. It’s a holistic approach that guarantees a delightful experience for clients, where every touchpoint conveys good vibes.
Crafting Excellence: From Three Brothers to HOXAR STUDIO
The vision for this coffee bakery came from three brothers who wanted to work together and create a place that showcases their values while offering unparalleled service to their clients.
Every aspect of the bakery design -and the graphic identity- down to the combination of orange travertine with cream marble, has been meticulously curated to evoke the sensation of a croissant or pain au chocolat, paired with the deep hues of coffee and tea. The result is a space that speaks volumes about HOXAR STUDIO’s creativity, passion, and dedication to delivering an extraordinary experience.
Step inside this extraordinary coffee bakery, and you’ll find yourself in a world where design and hospitality merge seamlessly, welcoming everyone to savor the beauty of simplicity and authenticity.