A Taste of Istanbul: EBBA Architects’ Cup of Joy Cafe in Marylebone
Local design studio EBBA Architects has created an exceptional space with the opening of Cup of Joy, the first London location for this Istanbul café chain. Nestled in the stylish Marylebone neighborhood, the café is a captivating blend of cultural inspiration and architectural ingenuity.
Cultural Inspirations
The design pays homage to the rich textures and tones of Istanbul, channeling the essence of its historic stone walls and inviting courtyard spaces. “The interior references the richness of the history found in stone walls and courtyard spaces,” explains Benni Allan, founder of EBBA Architects. Central to this vision is the idea of “spaces between,” where coffee drinking becomes not just a ritual but a cultural experience.
Material Palette
To bring the courtyard concept to life in a 168-square-meter space, EBBA Architects chose materials that evoke warmth and serenity. The ground floor of Cup of Joy features clay plaster on most surfaces, which not only enhances acoustics but also visually softens the environment. Allan shares, “Clay was chosen for its innate capacity to absorb and soften: acoustically and visually, helping to do the work of calming the space.”
Stone and Texture
Adding to the rich sensory experience, large slabs of Portland stone have been integrated into the café walls, beautifully rendered with clay. This layering technique creates a visual dialogue between stability and fluidity, ensuring the space feels grounded while also transforming it into an immersive environment inspired by Istanbul’s textures. “The stone has a block base, breaking up into larger and smaller pieces as it rises,” says Allan.
Thoughtful Design Elements
The thoughtful use of timber is another focal point within the café. Serving both structural and aesthetic purposes, timber elements run consistently around the interior, providing cohesion and anchoring the space. “Between these sculptural elements, insertions of timber provide seating, benches, retail displays, and intimate nooks,” Allan notes. The large oak bar, angled to create harmony in the design, brings the geometric forms of the furniture into dialogue with its surrounding architecture.
Lighting and Atmosphere
A standout feature of Cup of Joy is its innovative ceiling design, which incorporates opaque glass to create soft, diffuse lighting, reminiscent of a sunlit courtyard. This design choice not only brings ambiance but also embodies the café’s thematic underpinnings, fusing urban vitality with natural tranquility. Allan articulates how these design choices provide “a specific quality of light and atmosphere, like being in one of those courtyards.”
Interior Spaces: Ground Floor vs. Basement
The design diverges between the upper and lower levels of the café. The ground floor features expansive, sculptural designs with angular furniture, while the basement offers a more intimate experience, with plush, curvilinear furnishings and lower seating. The presence of a circular oculus above a cozy oak-panelled niche adds to the basement’s warmth. This intentional differentiation creates distinct yet harmonious atmospheres throughout the café.
Harmonizing with Nature
Allan emphasizes the importance of natural materials in fostering an inviting atmosphere: “A lot of our work is about using natural materials and developing palettes that are comforting on the eye and the body.” The warm terracotta tones of the interior, paired with contrasting oak and darker walnut hues, enhance the overall aesthetic, allowing guests to feel both relaxed and engaged.
Customized Furnishings
Many of the furniture pieces within Cup of Joy were designed by EBBA Architects themselves, including shared tables and stools, ensuring that every object aligns with the café’s architectural form and function. This mindful approach to furnishings facilitates a seamless transition throughout the café, enhancing the visitor experience.
Unique Lighting Designs
Beyond just furniture, EBBA Architects crafted unique paper lanterns, known as Pulse, specifically for this space, adding another layer of character and warmth. Complemented by wall lights from Danish brand Frandsen, these fixtures contribute to creating an ambient environment that feels both inviting and stimulating.
Material Richness and Simplicity
Finally, the entirety of Cup of Joy’s design ethos revolves around balancing material richness with simple geometries. Allan sums it up aptly, stating that the café aims to transport visitors, providing a unique interior environment that resonates with the ethos and aspirations of a brand growing roots in a new city.
At Cup of Joy, EBBA Architects has crafted not just a café but a lively cultural space where the essence of Istanbul meets contemporary London, creating an experience that feels as comforting as it is stimulating.