Photography by Greg Fonne
Architecture firm Mizzi Studio were commissioned by Italian coffee brand Colicci, to design a new cafe located at the entrance to Westfield City’s Shopping Centre in London.
Inspired by nature, Mizzi Studio designed the roof to take on the form of an abstract leaf blowing in the wind. Copper was chosen as the key material as it would feel warm and earthy, while also complimenting Colicci’s branding and relation to nature.
Photography by Greg Fonne
The abstract leaf form is made from fibreglass shell that’s covered in 542 individually laser cut copper sections that were attached by hand using traditional techniques and approximately 20,000 rivets.
To pay homage to the craftsmanship, patinated finger prints and hammer marks that occurred during the making of the roof have been left, creating a unique appearance.
Photography by Greg Fonne
The sculptural copper roof appears to hover over the cafe, while large glass doors and windows provide support and let people see inside.
Photography by Greg Fonne
Mizzi Studio mention that the “…internal ceiling mimics the mouth of an orchid to form a copper cave that lures the visitor and enriches the customer experience.”
Photography by Greg Fonne
The copper roof has been sealed with a matte clear lacquer to preserve the story of the fingerprints and hammer marks, and at the same time protecting the shine and reflective properties of copper.
