Renovation Design for the METAL HANDS Coffee Youyi Store Garden Branch | SA Architects

Renovation Design for the METAL HANDS Coffee Youyi Store Garden Branch, Our reflection on commerce considers what kind of architecture and interior effect can be presented in a small courtyard located near the Guomao CBD in Beijing, enabling competition with the surrounding chain coffee brands and boutique coffee shops. The aim is not only to attract people but also to provide a space where they can linger, stay, and be willing to make repeat purchases. Therefore, we proposed the somewhat avant-garde idea of ‘building a greenhouse in Beijing’s CBD,’ which incorporates a garden into the indoor relaxation area.

The top side opens to delineate the original building corridor, with the front area designed as an open and bright guest seating zone that integrates modern elements, while the logistical space retains its enclosed characteristics, preserving the old brick exterior wall that bears historical marks.

The most critical issue with the glass “greenhouse” featuring a curved roof is the excessive sunlight exposure in summer, making it unsuitable for prolonged sitting. This design addresses the problem from three aspects:

1. Structural shading; 2. Utilize a tensioned mesh filter; 3. Adjustable sunshades; 4. Vintage fans; 5. Utilizing green plants

In spatial design, using “historical fragments” as a clue for integration, the selective extraction of historical relics, historical memories, and cultural symbols, along with modern interpretation and scenographic restructuring, allows the space to become a “tangible narrative carrier of history.”

Project Info
Architects: SA Architects
Country: China, Beijing
Area: 220 m²
Year: 2025
Photographs: UK Studio
Design Team: Shen Jianghai,Zhang Long Xiao,Sun Chundi,Ma Damlu
Clients: Metal Hands Coffee Co.