% Arabica Riyadh Roastery

We designed concept design and supervised construction the second coffee shop in Saudi Arabia for "%ARABICA", a coffee shop brand from Kyoto, Japan.

The client requested to renovate a 900㎡ warehouse and install a huge custom-built roasting machine. We therefore planned a theater-like storefront that would take advantage of the vast space while also providing a space to showcase the huge roastery in a captivating manner. The roasting machine, which would be the star of the show, was placed proudly in the center. The main attraction, the roasting machine, is placed proudly in the center, surrounded by the bean cellar, the symbol of "%ARABICA.

The restaurant is orchestrated by the excellent baristas of %ARABICA, who also play a leading role. A U-shaped kitchen counter is set up in the center of the restaurant, so that the pleasant sound of the baristas' brilliant performance echoes throughout the restaurant. In order to allow customers to enjoy the live performance of these two main characters from anywhere in the seating area, a large atrium without pillars and seating surrounding it have been arranged.

The main part of the seating area is the box seats, which are separated by sheer curtains. In consideration of Saudi Arabia's concern for the distance between men and women, this seating is laid out on two levels on either side of the atrium. Other seating options include bench seating around the kitchen counter, where customers can watch the baristas at work, and counter seating where customers can look out over the entire restaurant.

The vaulted ceiling allows pleasant light to stream down through the perforated metal. These features have created a bright and open space where customers can enjoy delicious coffee and theater-oriented concept design and production with all five senses.