Samba Coffee Roasters Crossroads in Athens

Composing contrasts

The new coffee shop, situated in a central area of Athens, is characterized by a harmonious synthesis of strong contrasts: geometric shapes, materials, textures, and colors. The design aim is to cultivate an elegant yet avant-garde atmosphere.

Design Philosophy

The store consists of a ground floor indoor and outdoor seating area. The first floor houses a hybrid seating and seminar area, centred around the theme of coffee. At the heart of the composition are two monolithic counters crafted from handmade coloured mosaic and positioned centrally within the shop to oversee the process of production and supply of products. The coffee station and open kitchen harmoniously coexist in the space. Organized around them are the staff and customer circulation areas. The horizontal flow of the composition is disrupted by a void at the centre of the space and a metal circular staircase ascending to the floor above. These elements are accentuated in colour, splitting the space in two segments.

Morphological elements

The central aperture fosters a visual link between the levels, offering an element of surprise through hanging fixtures and vertical plants. The façade is made of metallic black frames, a sunshade cloth, and vibrant plants that attract passing pedestrians, immersing them in a diverse experience.

Natural Materials

Incorporating Art Deco elements and materials reminiscent of an Athens’s “other era”, the space exudes a welcoming ambiance. Polished dark green floor tiles serve a dual purpose by unifying the various functions of the space while also infusing a playful dynamic with their reflective properties, which vary depending on the viewing angle. The walls feature either lime paint or ceramic cladding adorned with geometric patterns and designs, providing an ideal backdrop for artwork, wall light fixtures, and indoor planting. Brass paired with glass, mosaic, and ceramics with unique geometry and texture, along with wood combined with Venetian wicker, collectively imbue the entire composition with a rich materiality.