Few design-led coffee parlours are as inextricably linked to architecture as the expanding Madcoffee chain in Monterrey. How so? Well, it’s an affiliated enterprise of local design, architecture and branding studio Madarq. Following an initial café at Nuevo Sur, a second outpost has been inaugurated at Plaza Áuriga, another popular shopping centre. Occupying a ground floor unit measuring 130 sqm. (1,399 sq.ft.) set across two levels, this branch innovatively blends in Madarq‘s design studio with the objective to better connect with the local community. The design makes clever use of the existing architectural elements, most notably three concrete columns, and is inspired by the concept of ‘showroom and café’. This notion has resulted in immaculate white architectural forms and yellowish-brown wood that highlights the natural beauty of espresso crema.

Additionally, locally sourced grey natural stones and crystals make up the setting and allow natural light to permeate the premises. Upon entering, visitors find a fully equipped service counter right next to the entrance, and directly opposite, a seating section lines the wall all the way to the back. Additional seating can be found next to the staircase. One floor up, the design studio and a meeting space are situated—both are encased in glass, creating privacy, yet optically, they’re integrated in the public space. A third seating area is situated near the façade. As Madcoffee is both a coffee parlour and a bakery – we haven’t mentioned the ground floor kitchen yet, have we? – the menu lists not only a wide range of hot and cold coffee concoctions, but also an abundance of pastries, cookies, sandwiches and bowls.