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Arabica Riyadh Roastery: Award-Winning Theatre-Style Café Redefines Coffee Culture in Saudi Arabia

No.10, a leading Japanese design studio based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has achieved international acclaim with its Arabica Riyadh Roastery, earning the prestigious Platinum A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category for 2025. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 885-square-meter café transforms a renovated warehouse into a theatrical coffee destination, where the art of roasting takes center stage. The project began with an in-depth exploration of local culture in April 2019 and culminated in the store's grand opening in May 2022, following extensive research and a meticulous design process shaped by the unique needs of Saudi clientele.

The roastery's standout feature is its custom-built, giant roasting machine, dramatically positioned on a stage at the back of the store and encircled by ARABICA's iconic bean cellar. The spatial layout mimics a theatre, with a lowered floor in front of the stage, upper-level seating for panoramic views, and a kitchen counter situated like an orchestra pit. The atrium's soaring 6.5-meter ceiling and indirect lighting create an open, inviting atmosphere, while the unified white palette-achieved through varied textures such as artificial marble, brick, and perforated metal-delivers a sense of depth and sophistication. Every seat offers a distinct perspective, from intimate bench seats near the baristas to elevated box and counter seats for a bird's-eye view of the coffee-making performance.

Informed by extensive local research, the design incorporates thoughtful details such as sheer curtains for privacy, ergonomic furniture suitable for traditional attire, and mirrors for personal grooming. The entrance staircase is strategically designed to offer glimpses of the stage from outside, building anticipation and drawing in visitors. Overcoming challenges in sightline optimization and spatial planning, No.10 has created a multi-sensory environment where guests can engage with the story of coffee through sight, sound, and aroma. This innovative approach not only elevates the café experience but also sets a new benchmark for retail and hospitality design in the region.

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