Snow Peak Cafe designed by Kiki ArychiA former red-brick in Suzau, China is set inside the warehouse. Once a part of a group of industrial buildings since the 1950s, the structure has been converted into a modern place for coffee, retail and quiet interaction. Snowing directed by snow peak “Embrace your nature” The philosophy, the design keeps what is necessary, takes back what is not back, and lets the character of the building speak through thoughtful materials and a minimal layout.
The cafe originally sits within one of the 22 red-brick warehouses created in the 1950s, and stored the wood. These utilitarian structures were designed for function, not for beauty, but their strong walls and repeated brickwork now gives cafes a strong view. Kiki Archie retained the original brick externally, giving the old texture to the new elements from inside.
Renewal avoids attractive upgradation. Instead, the design team focused on subtle, material-powered changes that highlight the original structure of the building. The result is a place that feels consistent and grounded. This is clearly updated, but nothing seems to be designed or disconnected than its past.
Located next to the garden of the humble administrator, one of the most prestigious classical gardens of Suzau, the cafe draws subtle inspiration from its neighbor. The garden is known for careful balance between its flowing layout, shifting approach and structure and nature. While cafe does not repeat these elements directly, its open spatial plan, use of natural materials, and the emphasis on the scene calms all the same principles. It is a modern interpretation of the cool, layered beauty of the Sujou Garden.
The update window openings of the warehouse bring to more light and form a strong view relationship in the nearby garden. Some of these windows are folding, allowing the cafe to open out in a pleasant days. This flexibility enhances indoor-outdoor connections, softens the industrial edge of the building and strengthens the nature-inspired design approach of snow peak.
Entry is simple and understood, which has no bold signage or decorative elements, just a clean frame of experienced steel that lets the material speak for itself.
Inside, the original red brick walls and exposed structure reveal the industrial past of the building. Surfaces are worn and textured, with age signs that speak for decades of use. Large and open spaces show their pre -tasks as a warehouse, offering a raw, unfund look on the original character of the building.
Step inside the renovated warehouse, and the central feature of the ground floor is a large multi-functional bar that handles the coffee service, retail performance and checkout area. Made from stacked timber strips, it reflects the rhythm of the brick walls. A gray steel tops add contrast and relationship to other materials used in top space.
The main floor seating place is open and adaptable. Brown-painted steel columns, beams, and mixture with warm tones, at first glance resembles almost wood, while benchs with hidden light define the sitting space. The materials like brick, wood, steel and cement make the materials, a neutral, united palette that comfortably feels intentional yet.
The ladder grows directly from the floor in a clean micro-cement form. It is originally mixed with bar and display area, and acts as both a functional element and a visible connector between the floor. There is no decorative flight, it is designed for clarity and flow.
Above, the atmosphere retreats even more. Stepped seating made of renovated brick makes a casual, roof -like setup.
Timber slats prepared the zone to sit without attaching them. The original structure is painted white to reduce their visual weight, focusing on light, texture and open space.
Architectural drawing explains how space was restructured without compromising its original compromise.
Snow Peak Cafe is a strong example of minimum design in context. By respecting the industrial past of the building and using a simple, natural material palette, Kiki Archie has created a cafe that feels both modern and inherent.
