% Arabica Hangzhou MixC – Nguyen Khai Architects & Associates (NKAA)

A Landmark Coffee Destination in Hangzhou

Located at the main entrance of The MixC, one of Hangzhou’s premier retail and lifestyle destinations, the new % Arabica Hangzhou MixC store commands a highly visible, strategic position. Its placement leverages natural foot traffic flow, offering visitors a welcoming and accessible entry point as they explore the vibrant mix of international brands and lifestyle experiences within the mall.

Iconic Façade Design

The storefront features a striking tall façade adorned with hundreds of white, rotatable Chemex plates arranged in both solid and outlined forms. This meticulously curated pattern interacts dynamically with sunlight and passerby movement, producing a captivating play of light and shadow throughout the day.

The rhythmic, ever-changing composition not only reinforces % Arabica’s brand identity but also adds texture, depth, and visual softness to the architectural scale. By transforming the façade into a living surface, the exterior becomes both an aesthetic statement and an inviting landmark in Hangzhou’s retail landscape.

Tunnel-Like Interior Experience

Inside, the store adopts a tunnel-inspired layout, anchored by two bold gate structures extending from the original façade. These sculptural elements, unified in material and tone, guide visitors naturally inward while establishing a strong architectural rhythm.

Visitors encounter signature % Arabica brand elements, including a floor logo, a bean cellar, and curated merchandise displays, reinforcing brand storytelling while enhancing the immersive coffee shop experience.

Lighting and Spatial Harmony

Overhead Chemex Lamps cast soft, warm pools of light across the main space, emphasizing the continuity between design and brand narrative. The central kitchen counter, framed by two rows of custom benches, encourages interaction while maintaining a balanced rhythm between movement and pause within the store.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration

The exterior seating area mirrors the interior’s material palette and design language, featuring clean lines, warm tones, and thoughtfully arranged greenery. Planters and lush vegetation soften architectural edges, creating a calm and restorative atmosphere that invites guests to linger. Whether enjoying a solitary coffee moment or socializing with friends, visitors experience a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape design.

This continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces ensures a holistic brand experience, enhancing comfort, aesthetics, and engagement at every touchpoint.

% Arabica Hangzhou MixC by NKAA is more than a coffee shop—it’s an architectural landmark that balances brand identity, spatial design, and customer experience. Its dynamic façade, immersive interior, and thoughtfully integrated outdoor spaces make it a standout destination in Hangzhou’s retail scene.

All Photographs are works of Guowei Liu