say architects has used blue curved tiled walls to merge exterior and interior for this minimalist patisserie in Hangzhou, China. 

The patisserie, named Angelot Patisserie, is a minimalist store that directs visitors inside the patisserie through its curved and smooth facade.

The building, encompassing a total of 150-square-metre area, is located in Xiasha, Hangzhou. As the architects highlight, the original site had multiple disadvantage, for instance, a basement shaft blocked almost 1/3 of the storefront; the store front is recessed from the architecture facade; the full height interior window is not facing a very pleasant view. 

Instead of simply hiding all these disadvantages, the studio tried to use them and connect them with a simple concept - a gradually disclosed sense of ritual.

Visitors are directed via a curve entry leading them to the door, entering the store. Visitors encounter the first space which is an ordering and display area, passing through this area, the most important space, the dining area, appears gradually. 

"Following this gesture, we make the architecture facade a frame for the storefront instead of simply become a disadvantage," said the studio.

Although the plan of the store is quite simple, its front is covered with customized curve tile, the entry route is like an opening pushed open from the facade, gently leads guests to the patisserie.

"We also designed a changing clearance along the route," the studio added. The entry level has the lowest height and the dining area has the highest, this changing clearance enhanced the atmosphere of entering the space. It's a path leading towards a secret garden which slowly unfolds spaces to guests.

The reception is like three clean cuts of a huge stone, represents three different area. In the dining area, the architects soften the wall with customized GRC, the semi-transparent curtain block the exterior view but kept the sunlight. 4 lemon tree bring the exterior to interior, forms a soft and private dining space.

"As the climax of the circulation, the dining area doesn’t have a nice view to see, it only filled with light to be felt," they continued. Sun light touches the GRC wall and brings out this fabric like texture out of it, the Lemon tree divides the dining area vaguely, and a peaceful and gentle space is therefore created and kept.

Ground floor plan

Section

Project facts

Project name: Angelot Patisserie

Architects: say architects

Size: 150m2

Location: Hangzhou, China

Date: 2019 

All images © Hao Zhang

All drawings © say architects

> via say architects