Project Description:
A new addition to the vibrant java scene in Washington D.C., Roasting Plant’s L Street location serves as a hub for the city’s commuters, out-of-towners, and coffee aficionados. Roasting Plant Coffee engaged local architecture and design firm //3877 as architect of record for the property remodel, building upon the brands’ ongoing partnership with previous successful collaborations including the company’s inaugural D.C. location in Dupont Circle. Alongside Built Environmental Engineers and Teel Construction, the design team renovated the existing space to ensure a synergy between the beloved café’s other locations while creating an innovative design to highlight the brand’s bean bar. The renovation successfully showcases a wide array of the brand’s just-roasted beans available for customers to enjoy at home.

The property boasts an enhanced customer experience with maximized spatial efficiency, expanding upon the Dupont Circle location’s grab-and-go model to embrace Roasting Plant’s capabilities as a coffee bean producer. A meticulous blend of functionality, aesthetics, and brand identity, the design seamlessly merges Roasting Plant’s signature atmosphere with the sleek modernity of its innovative Javabot™ roasting technology –– an in-store roasting and brewing system that automatically roasts each coffee to order.  Situated at the forefront, the Javabot™ serves as the focal point around which the entire design revolves; from the street view, patrons are immediately enticed to enter through clear sightlines to the eye-catching system. The new location’s bean bar expands upon its in-store roasting, producing the highest-grade beans from farms across the world on-site for patrons to bring home and brew themselves––maintaining freshness and ensuring the fullest flavor possible.

Inside, guests are greeted by the order window and prep counter to the left while a variety of seating options await to the right. The team incorporated counter-height tables along the front, a standout feature that seamlessly integrates expanded storefront space while enhancing the café's street presence. Clear signage guides visitors to the far end of the counter, ensuring they experience the space in full. To overcome the spatial challenge caused by the expansive roasting equipment, the design team strategically positioned the power source above the restrooms, prioritizing ample seating throughout the rest of the café.

With an awareness of the fast-paced rhythm of D.C., clear wayfinding throughout the space was essential along with intriguing moments of discovery to entice patrons to return for their daily coffee. To elevate awareness surrounding the availability of coffee beans for purchase, the design team relocated the roasted bean tubes, displaying the variety of flavor profiles, closer to the front to enhance visibility and accessibility for patrons. This design strategy also brings the roasting process top-of-mind for customers, putting the brand’s commitment to fresh beans and brew on display for all to see.

Drawing from Roasting Plant's distinctive blue signage, the playful design is contrasted by a grounding color palette featuring striking black tones offset by other natural hues and stainless steel accents; a thoughtful balance between unique industrial elements and the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional coffee shop. Each thoughtfully-crafted design element contributes to the overall aesthetic while maintaining functionality. From the blue reflective aluminum backdrop of the prep counter to the soft acoustical wood tiles in the seating area, every detail accentuates the unique purpose of its respective space. Roasting Plant L Street’s footprint allowed for more seating, making it more conducive to extended visits – whether that’s gathering with friends or working remotely. 

Revamped signage, now featuring "Coffee Roastery and Bean Bar," underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and quality, highlighting its state-of-the-art roasting system as an integral part of the café and retail experience. With its inviting ambiance and community-centric ethos, Roasting Plant L Street stands as a testament to purposeful design tailored to attract passersby through its unique twist on a traditional café, meeting the evolving needs of bustling Washington D.C patrons through best-in-class coffee.