The Suetomi AoQ Cafe Stand: A Unique Kyoto Coffee Experience

Nestled on the bustling Karasuma-dori street in Kyoto, the Suetomi AoQ Cafe Stand is a coffee shop that’s easy to overlook but impossible to forget. Designed by Ryohei Tanaka of G ARCHITECTS STUDIO, this stand is an architectural intervention that merges Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage with the modern urban fabric. Occupying a mere one-meter depth, it stands modestly on the ground floor of a two-story wooden building, flanked by hotels and office buildings, serving both as a coffee spot and a subtle signpost for SUETOMI’s flagship store nearby.

Designing with History in Mind

The project’s design philosophy revolves around connecting Kyoto’s historic essence with contemporary sensibilities. Copper, a material known for its dynamic aging properties, takes center stage here. The facade of the stand features copper foil that has been chemically oxidized using soy sauce and ammonium chloride, resulting in a rich patina that evokes “Suetomi blue,” the confectionery brand’s signature color for over 70 years. This patina treatment achieves a sense of timeworn authenticity, blending harmoniously with Kyoto’s regulated cityscape while standing out in its modern execution.

Crafting Space with Purpose

Despite its compact size, the cafe stand is designed for efficiency and aesthetic impact. The space comprises a kitchen and a resting area, aligned along the street-facing facade. While the floor plan came together naturally due to the spatial constraints, the facade design demanded more thoughtful experimentation. By oxidizing the copper, the architects aimed to evoke the timeless charm of SUETOMI’s legacy while creating a visually striking yet respectful addition to the neighborhood. When the cafe is closed, a roll-up mesh screen—originally designed for construction scaffolding—encloses the resting area. At night, the illuminated mesh mimics traditional bamboo blinds, offering glimpses of the copper patina beneath. This dual-purpose feature acts as both a streetlamp and a billboard, reinforcing the connection between modern urban life and historical aesthetics.

Architectural Vision Beyond the Surface

For G ARCHITECTS STUDIO, the Suetomi AoQ Cafe Stand represents more than just a commercial project; it’s a proposal to counteract the homogenization of urban architecture. By harnessing the transformative qualities of copper, they’ve crafted a design that respects Kyoto’s past while anchoring it in the present. The project’s meticulous attention to materials, proportions, and historical relevance speaks to a broader ambition: to reintroduce character and thoughtfulness into cityscapes dominated by nondescript modernity. The cafe stand may be small, but it embodies a significant dialogue between tradition and innovation, serving as a physical and cultural bridge for locals and visitors alike.

Technical Sheet