Nestled in the heart of Oxford’s historic Jericho district, Broche Coffee has emerged as a beacon of sustainable design and innovation. This diminutive café, opened in 2023, combines high-quality specialty coffee with freshly baked goods, all within a thoughtfully designed space. The architecture and design firm NAAW Studio faced unique challenges due to the site's protected historical status, requiring creative solutions to enhance the area while respecting its heritage. Collaborating with Grown Bio, the team introduced mycelium panels, an eco-friendly material derived from fungi, into the café's structure. This article explores how Broche Coffee harmoniously blends modernity with tradition, offering a glimpse into its innovative design choices.

Incorporating cutting-edge materials, Broche Coffee stands out for its use of mycelium panels, which are among the most sustainable resources today. These panels were utilized not only for interior walls but also transformed into mushroom-shaped tables and street lamps, creating a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the café's environmental ethos. According to NAAW Studio, this choice was pivotal in revitalizing what was once an inconspicuous corner without resorting to drastic alterations. By seamlessly integrating these elements, the team managed to breathe new life into the locale while maintaining harmony with its surroundings.

Despite limitations imposed by the building's historical designation, NAAW Studio successfully modernized the space through subtle yet effective interventions. Replacing traditional windows with sliding wooden ones enhanced functionality for takeaway orders, while clinker tiles adorned the area outside, providing patrons with cozy seating options. These additions underscored the studio's ability to balance preservation with progress, ensuring that Broche Coffee remains both relevant and respectful of its architectural context.

Beyond its innovative use of materials and thoughtful design, Broche Coffee exemplifies how sustainability can coexist with tradition. Through meticulous planning and execution, NAAW Studio transformed a small, unassuming corner of Oxford into a vibrant hub for coffee enthusiasts. The result is a testament to the power of creativity in overcoming constraints, proving that even in historically protected areas, it is possible to introduce contemporary elements that enrich the community. Broche Coffee serves not just as a place to enjoy exceptional coffee but also as an inspiration for future projects seeking to honor the past while embracing the future.