Hale Coffee Shop

JOHN BENNER | ADRIAN CHIU | GREGORIO JIMENEZ | LIAM HALL | STEPHEN JONES | MATTHEW LAU | JOHN (JIAYI) ZHANG

With help from:

JOANA BENIN | FARAH ELMAJDOUB | KATHERINE SWAINSON | THY VO

The Hale Coffee Shop is located in the Junction neighbourhood of Toronto. We were asked by the Toronto based roasters to design the interior of their new café and production location. Beginning from cherry countertops, to a 2×2 modular ceiling installation and undulating wooden counter fronts, there is without a doubt an emphasis on the use of wood. The high ceilings of the space allowed us to create a dynamic and modular ceiling installation that worked well around the existing mechanical structure.

During the first visit to the coffee shop, it was an empty canvas filled with opportunities for exploration. Originally, the schematic design was aimed to create a bright and lively environment; taking advantage of the large windows on the front facing façade. The space was anticipated to be complimented by a light colour palette to achieve the perception. We met with the roasters multiple times throughout the design process to share ideas and collaborate to accomplish the final product.

At the end, the group came to a consensus on a different approach to the design, one that took on a darker colour scheme to create a warm and cozier environment. The project allowed us to design the build the store from scratch. From the ceiling fixtures right down to the furniture the customers sit on, it is amazing to think that they all were crafted by hand by the roasters and numerous volunteers that took part in the project.

Photos provided by John (Jiayi) Zhang