Behind The Design Of A Third Generation Italian Coffee Roasting House

Encapsulating the transference of storytelling into a memorable Italian coffee experience, Genovese Coffee House in Sydney’s Alexandria is a poetic and ambient experience. Alexander &CO. create a warm, richly detailed interior to evoke the history of Genovese Italian Coffee and the site’s industrial heritage while prioritising recyclable and reclaimed materials.
Alexander &CO. Principal Jeremy Bull, comments, “there is an ambient, acoustic and sensory difference that takes place as you move into the space from the street,” which becomes apparent as soon as one enters the Italian coffee house that exists within an old industrial shell. Walking in, one is met with a ribbon of benches that are all slightly varied and, right in front of the main entry, a large, red coffee roaster removes any ambiguity as to what the space represents.
The history of Genovese Coffee imbues the building with a tangible Italian coffee house feel. Design references hark back to the 1970s when Alfio Genovese established the brand, roasting coffee in the Italian style. Alexander &CO. started looking at the building as being more of a streetscape - an Italian streetscape within Alexandria. Hence, an earthy palette of timber, chunky terrazzo, brick, concrete and raw linen speaks to the traditional Italian coffee and complements the simplicity of the formerly industrial building.
Now a third-generation brand, the Italian coffee house takes a contemporary style and mixes it with family tradition and arched Italian architecture. Many key design elements are custom-made, including ceiling-high curtains that absorb sound and warm the space, as well as antique coffee equipment from the family’s own collection.
With Alexander &CO. and Genovese Coffee sharing a focus on sustainability, new materials were overlooked. Harvested brickwork has been used in conjunction with Durra Panel - a 100 per cent recyclable and biodegradable insulation panel. Joinery is crafted from reclaimed timber and bathroom sinks are repurposed.
An eloquent launching of a retail Italian coffee experience in Sydney, Genovese Coffee House offers a deeply considered and rich retail experience. Jeremy reflects, “Guests comment on how they come for a quick coffee, but we never want to leave because it's so inviting and warm, the atmosphere makes them want to stay.”
00:00 - Introduction to the Italian Coffee Roasting House
00:45 - The Coffee House Location
00:55 - The Original Fit Out Brief
01:32 - The Genovese Family History
01:55 - A Walkthrough of the Roasting House
02:51 - A Match Made in Heaven
03:26 - Differentiating the Hospitality Projects
03:56 - Unique Materials and Spatial Design
04:40 - Custom Made Elements
05:12 - Proud Moments
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Photography by Anson Smart.
Architecture and Interior Design by Alexander &CO.
Build by SMLXL Projects.
Styling by STUDIO CD.
Filmed and Edited by The Local Project.
Production by The Local Project.
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Location: Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia
The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#Italian #Coffee #Cafe

[@anaalves3658]

Beautiful coffee house. I really loved the family history that it has and the antique coffee related paraphernalia is beautiful and truly special.

[@AnnesLebenCH]

A very nice coffeeshop. 👏😍

[@mpourratt]

Cool