A Stunning Urban Oasis in Japan

Imagine a café that feels like a serene escape amidst the chaos of city life. That’s exactly what Yuko Nagayama & Associates created with the AOI Celestie Coffee Roastery, crowned by a mesmerizing roof made up of 28,000 shimmering blue-gradient tiles. This architectural marvel stands at a bustling intersection, harmoniously blending nature and urban living.

A Gateway to Tranquility

Situated against a backdrop of towering high-rises and just steps away from a busy station, this café is designed not just as a place for coffee but as a vibrant community hub. The architects ingeniously set the building back from the street, creating a tranquil courtyard laced with olive trees — a 'white space' that offers a peaceful retreat in a densely populated urban setting.

Three Layers of Delight

This innovative structure unfolds in three distinct layers, each offering a unique experience. The ground floor hosts the lively roastery and kitchen, accentuated by warm curves of concrete and brick, while the second level spills out into the olive garden through expansive windows, inviting nature inside. On the third floor, a stunning bar area peers out over the entire space, showcasing fleeting views of the vibrant city.

The Architectural Symphony of Tiles

The pièce de résistance? The café’s roof, a wave of ceramic tiles in six stunning hues of blue, cascading from sky to ground. Crafted using a meticulous wet extrusion method and topped with a glossy glass glaze, these tiles beautifully capture and reflect changing light, mimicking the sky above. This innovative approach not only gives the building a striking identity but is also a homage to the past — a thoughtful nod to a time when tile adorned the cityscape before it faded into obscurity.

The Essence of Connection and Community

Yuko Nagayama & Associates has done more than create a coffee shop; they've designed an experience that fosters connection and tranquility. The central atrium promotes movement and interaction across the three levels, inviting patrons to journey through light, nature, and community. This café is not just a stop for a caffeine fix; it’s a vibrant celebration of urban life.