Thomas-McBrien Architects elevates "craft of coffee" through architecture in New York

WatchHouse Park Avenue South by Thomas-McBrien Architects

UK studio Thomas-McBrien Architects has taken cues from minimalist artist Donald Judd when designing the interiors for a WatchHouse coffee shop in Manhattan's Flatiron District.

WatchHouse Park Avenue South is the London-based brand's third location in New York, occupying a corner unit in the former United Charities Building.

Polished steel counters run through the centre of a cafe — Polished steel counters run through the centre of WatchHouse Park Avenue South

In the 1,800-square-foot (167-square-metre) space, which seats 25, Thomas-McBrien Architects has applied a modern palette of cherry wood, stainless steel and terrazzo between grand neoclassical pillars.

"The design establishes a calm, materially confident interior rooted in New York's mid-century architectural language,” said co-founder Barry McBrien. "Cherry timber, terrazzo, and hand-finished steel are used with restraint, allowing proportion and surface to shape the atmosphere within the house."

Large rectangular pendants suspended above polished steel cafe counters — Large rectangular pendants are suspended above the counters

The cherry wood panels cover the walls, line doorways and windows, and form baseboards for cushioned built-in seating.

Dark terrazzo floor tiles extend through the linear procession of connected rooms, which separate areas for ordering and preparation from those for relaxing and enjoying.

A steel counter and shelving display inset within cherry wood walls — Cherry wood lines the cafe's walls, and more steel forms an inset counter and shelving display

In the first, polished steel service counters reference the work of artist Donald Judd and are lit from above by glowing rectangular pendants.

These long cuboid elements run parallel to one another through the middle of the room and are topped with the equipment used by baristas to craft the drinks and to serve pastries and light bites.

Another counter, which is set into the back wall, is accompanied by shelving above that displays metal tins of coffee.

"The sculptural steel counters subtly reference the clarity of Donald Judd's early 'Objects', conceived as precise, industrial forms that anchor the space," said McBrien. "The result is an environment where the craft of coffee is elevated through architecture."

A cushioned banquettes wrapped in forest green upholstery — Guests can enjoy their drinks on cushioned banquettes wrapped in forest green upholstery

Guests can eat, sip or work from fixed bar stools in the windows, or from the forest green banquettes – both "reminiscent of the nostalgic American cafe" according to WatchHouse.

On the exterior, russet-hued window awnings and matching outdoor furniture subtly continue the WatchHouse palette and branding without detracting from the stone architecture.

Historic stone building with russet-hued window awnings and furniture outside — Russet-hued awnings and outdoor furniture continue the cafe's colour palette to the building's exterior

WatchHouse was founded in 2014 and has several locations across the UK capital, including a modernist space in the City of London designed by EBBA – which was longlisted in the 2024 Dezeen Awards – and space beside the Millennium Bridge with interiors by Cake Architecture.

Another of its cafes in New York is located inside the Chrysler Building and nods to the iconic skyscraper's Art Deco design.

The photography is by Adrian Gaut.

The post Thomas-McBrien Architects elevates "craft of coffee" through architecture in New York appeared first on Dezeen.