## Blue Bottle Coffee’s First Kiosk in Santa Clara: A Timeless Design
The arrival of Blue Bottle Coffee’s first kiosk in Santa Clara, California, is a landmark moment in the company’s history. This minimalist design, meticulously crafted from stainless steel, signifies a commitment to a clean, modern aesthetic that reflects the brand’s focus on sustainability and handcrafted quality.
The goal of this project was not simply to create a kiosk; it was to create a statement, a visual representation of the company’s commitment to its customers and the environment. The stainless steel, a simple yet powerful material, is chosen for its durability, ease of cleaning, and ability to complement the brand’s overall design. The goal was to evoke a sense of calm and sophistication, reflecting the company’s dedication to a contemporary lifestyle.
The kiosk’s design was intentionally simple, focusing on functionality and visual appeal. It was a result of careful consideration of the environment, with the stainless steel carefully selected for its ability to reduce the building’s footprint and its ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The kiosk’s functionality was paramount, ensuring a clean and inviting environment for customers to interact.
The initial reception of the kiosk was met with a sense of pride and appreciation. The brand’s commitment to sustainability was evident in the thoughtful selection of materials and the minimalist design, which was designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The kiosk’s presence in Santa Clara, a city known for its innovation and its commitment to green initiatives, is a testament to the company’s vision and its dedication to creating a positive impact on the community.
Japanese studio I IN has created Blue Bottle Coffee’s first kiosk in Santa Clara, California, which has a minimalist design and was prefabricated from stainless steel.
The aim behind the project was to create a “design that would clearly express the brand in any location,” the studio said.
Blue Bottle Coffee has stores across Asia and the US, but this marks the first time it has opened a kiosk. I IN designed the store to be built from stainless steel, using modular, prefabricated components that were easy to assemble on site.
The steel structure gives the kiosk a minimalist, industrial feel. Its cool tones are complemented by a louvred, blue-painted canopy that lets light into the kiosk and an illuminated blue base.
“The stainless steel reflects its surroundings, intentionally softening the building’s presence within the environment,” I IN co-founder Yohei Terui told Dezeen.
“In contrast, the brand’s signature blue asserts a strong identity. It appears in different forms – the logo on the wall, the blue glow at the floor, and the open, airy blue louvres at the ceiling,” he continued.
“Each element occupies only a modest surface, yet together they stand out clearly, even from a distance and every different angle.”
I IN is based in Japan, but has previously worked on projects in Asia and Europe. Terui said that while the process of working on a US project wasn’t very different, it did influence the choice to use stainless steel.
“One of the aspects we paid particular attention to in this project was the selection of materials,” he explained. “When working across countries, material selection often becomes a big challenge. ”
“The repeated process of sending and receiving samples highlighted a certain gap with today’s sustainable mindset. It became essential to focus on materials that can be mass-produced and are easy to work with.”
Terui, who heads up I IN together with co-founder Hiromi Yuyama, added that prefabricating the kiosk is a way to help minimise waste when producing others in the future.
“Since all parts can either be pre-produced or made readily available, a substantial reduction in construction time can be expected,” he said.
“At the same time, minimising unnecessary material waste is a major advantage,” Terui added.
“Of course, there is a certain appeal in having each store feature a different design. Yet, I also feel that we are re-entering an era where the value of design consistency – so long as it is compelling – can be newly appreciated.”
The kiosk, which has a food counter, food and coffee preparation areas, a till section and a staff area, is lit from above and below to draw attention to its blue colour.
“We see light as something powerful and beautiful above all, a presence that reaches into people’s hearts,” Terui said. “At the same time, depending on how it is used, light can also create discomfort or even disrupt a design.”
“In this project, the challenge was to ensure clarity and visibility under any conditions, while maintaining a strength that would not be lost within its surroundings,” he continued.
The Valley Fair Kiosk will be followed by “several new kiosk openings” in the US, Blue Bottle Coffee’s global head of cafe design and experience Cary Cheng said.
I IN has previously designed a Blue Bottle Coffee shop in Takanawa, Tokyo, and used green and yellow light to demarcate two toilets in a Japanese shopping centre.
The photography is by Tim D Coy.
Japanese studio I IN has created Blue Bottle Coffee’s first kiosk in Santa Clara, California, which has a minimalist design and was prefabricated from stainless steel.
The aim behind the project was to create a “design that would clearly express the brand in any location,” the studio said.
Blue Bottle Coffee has stores across Asia and the US, but this marks the first time it has opened a kiosk. I IN designed the store to be built from stainless steel, using modular, prefabricated components that were easy to assemble on site.
The steel structure gives the kiosk a minimalist, industrial feel. Its cool tones are complemented by a louvred, blue-painted canopy that lets light into the kiosk and an illuminated blue base.
“The stainless steel reflects its surroundings, intentionally softening the building’s presence within the environment,” I IN co-founder Yohei Terui told Dezeen.
“In contrast, the brand’s signature blue asserts a strong identity. It appears in different forms – the logo on the wall, the blue glow at the floor, and the open, airy blue louvres at the ceiling,” he continued.
“Each element occupies only a modest surface, yet together they stand out clearly, even from a distance and every different angle.”
I IN is based in Japan, but has previously worked on projects in Asia and Europe. Terui said that while the process of working on a US project wasn’t very different, it did influence the choice to use stainless steel.
“One of the aspects we paid particular attention to in this project was the selection of materials,” he explained. “When working across countries, material selection often becomes a big challenge. ”
“The repeated process of sending and receiving samples highlighted a certain gap with today’s sustainable mindset. It became essential to focus on materials that can be mass-produced and are easy to work with.”
Terui, who heads up I IN together with co-founder Hiromi Yuyama, added that prefabricating the kiosk is a way to help minimise waste when producing others in the future.
“Since all parts can either be pre-produced or made readily available, a substantial reduction in construction time can be expected,” he said.
“At the same time, minimising unnecessary material waste is a major advantage,” Terui added.
“Of course, there is a certain appeal in having each store feature a different design. Yet, I also feel that we are re-entering an era where the value of design consistency – so long as it is compelling – can be newly appreciated.”
The kiosk, which has a food counter, food and coffee preparation areas, a till section and a staff area, is lit from above and below to draw attention to its blue colour.
“We see light as something powerful and beautiful above all, a presence that reaches into people’s hearts,” Terui said. “At the same time, depending on how it is used, light can also create discomfort or even disrupt a design.”
“In this project, the challenge was to ensure clarity and visibility under any conditions, while maintaining a strength that would not be lost within its surroundings,” he continued.
The Valley Fair Kiosk will be followed by “several new kiosk openings” in the US, Blue Bottle Coffee’s global head of cafe design and experience Cary Cheng said.
I IN has previously designed a Blue Bottle Coffee shop in Takanawa, Tokyo, and used green and yellow light to demarcate two toilets in a Japanese shopping centre.
The photography is by Tim D Coy.
