Project: Coutume Qatar
Architecture: CUT Architectures
Collaborators: Lucie Hervé
Location: Place Vendome, Lusail, Qatar
Area: 135 m2
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: David Foessel
Amongst Parisian coffee roasters, the most refined of the group inaugurated its newest establishment at the quintessential French address within Qatar: the heart of the Place Vendôme Mall provides an idyllic location for Coutume to unveil its maiden coffee shop in the Middle East. This new gem is the culmination of a longstanding collaboration with CUT architectures and is poised to exhibit an extensive assortment of exceptional specialty coffee, all while reflecting the essence of this renowned coffee shop.
Gather
Drawing from the rich cultural history of communal gatherings over traditional Arabic coffee, the spatial arrangement is intentionally designed to draw the attention of visitors towards the centre of the room, where the brand’s large iconic counters are prominently situated. Playing with grid patterns that serve as an enduring hallmark of Coutume’s brand identity, Cut embellished the peripheral space with upholstered banquettes and a sequence of curved oak lights, creating a sacred haven for enjoying a grand cru at any hour of the day.
Taste
Coutume’s commitment to sourcing refined single-origin coffee and guaranteeing an unparalleled standard of quality throughout the roasting and extraction process is visually communicated through the ivory conical-shaped ceiling fixtures elevating above the monolithic travertine marble bar. The discerning gaze is drawn towards the substantial plaster sculptures and attentively fixates on the skilled barista’s meticulously choreographed movements. Expertly fashioned hammered brass embellishments that adorn the ceiling, light fixtures, and tables pay homage to the timeless artistry of the Dallah and resonate with precision that has been honed over the course of millennia.
Wander
As the eminent ambassador for Coutume in the Persian Gulf region, this location masterfully encapsulates the brand’s sophisticated, upscale, yet authentic French aesthetic, artfully balancing the interplay between modernity and tradition. The Versailles parquet flooring, with its pattern reminiscent of both pastries and the brand identity, blends harmoniously with the rustic Moroccan Zellige tiles to form the foundation of the banquette seating elements. A striking pattern of Carrara marble, arranged in a chequered motif, compliments the embossed mirrored tiles to enhance both the sense of volume and light throughout the space.
