█ frosty fox
orlando, fl : [2021]
Frosty Fox started in Gainesville, Florida as a cafe offering crafted tea beverages and desserts. In developing the design of their new flagship store in Orlando, it was important to develop an approach that addressed the brand’s cultural roots and reductionist aesthetic while adopting a locally relevant design vocabulary.
The design of this space pivots around an earnest investigation of local building materials and methods. The interior features a ubiquitous concrete breeze block that is used to lend visual texture and gravitas to the modest, minimalist space. Finding parallels between the modular blocks and the intricate wood latticework used in oriental architecture, we chose the material as a way to evoke the traditional Chinese teahouse.
Focusing on our studio’s philosophy of “a few good materials,” concrete plays a leading role in defining the space. It feels heroic yet grounding, playing a crucial part in defining the character of the space. Floors, walls, and counters are rendered in various permutations of concrete. Subtle shifts in texture and materiality are emphasized by the abundance of natural light that occupies the space. Suspended powder-coated steel fixtures add another dimension of architecture to the interior while reinforcing the thematic concept of the grid. Custom tables and shelving realized in blonde wood tones provide a counterbalance to the serious palette of gray, white, and black. Pared-down light fixtures punctuate the space and impart a soft glow while making a subtle reference to Chinese rice paper lanterns and the large steel woks used to roast tea.
Within a space that capitalizes a palette of brutalist materials, it became necessary to create opportunities that invite people to linger. After all, use gives architecture purpose. Beyond the main counter is an upholstered seating banquette with shelves displaying a curated collection of sculptural earthenware. We took great care in selecting furnishings that are comfortable and cozy while maintaining the casual effortlessness of a metropolitan cafe. Quiet and contemplative, the space is a haven for the individual to pause and contemplate beauty and joy in the present.
photo credit | Chad Baumer Photography