Imagine Cafe, Cambridge, Massachusetts

A new cafe for Iggys Bakery, Boston located corner of Hurron Ave and Gurney Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

As a corner lot, openings provide two aspects for both sunlight and breeze. In Summer, windows set into the facade fold away and draw cooling breezes into the space. Outdoor seats situated in reverse bays become communal spaces whilst also providing an opportunity for bystanders to stop and be a part of the space. In Winter, a fireplace becomes a glowing heart to sit around.

An exploration into available natural and recycled materials was conducted prior to design, exploring how we could develop this project through circular systems of material economy. By reactivating materials, which would otherwise be discarded, their reinvigoration brings a tapestry of stories to the cafe that exist within the materials themselves. This includes the incorporation of Old Oktoberfest benches, used to line outdoor seats, a reclaimed 1930s door to the bathroom, side tables made from old piano stools and vanity sink cutouts, and a custom light over the bathroom sink made from an antique washboard. Recycled timber ledges and shelves are from the Mill next to the main bakery in Cambridge.

By retaining the existing old brickwork, the original fabric of the building is exposed and preserved.  

Internally, wall plaster used extends into niches and over wall lights, creating one rendered surface. By rendering a wide ledge around the base of the walls, this explores the walls as offering a place to sit. Skylights are fundamental to supplying ventilation to the restroom below, light to plants inside, whilst driving light into the interior cafe space.

For the servery, a lit quartzite stone was used, continuing a feeling of glow via its translucency coupled with a wool clad hand woven matting for the front counter. An old kelim for the upholstered wall and raw wool for the seats. Tiles forming the back splashback, are made from reconstituted brick tiles inspired by Iggy’s stripey shirt.