Café So_lo Copacabana by Estúdio Chão – Sustainable, Organic, Local Coffee Experience in Rio de Janeiro

Located in the vibrant heart of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Café So_lo represents the third iteration of the brand, embodying its core principles: Sustainable, Organic, and Local. Designed by Estúdio Chão in 2025, this 90 m² coffee shop transforms two adjacent street-level stores into a cohesive, inviting space just steps from the iconic Copacabana beach.

The project began with a careful architectural reveal of the original Art Deco structure, peeling away layers to expose its robust skeleton. This gesture honors the building’s heritage while creating a modern café environment rooted in history. The site itself carries memories, once housing a beloved snack bar and ice cream shop in the 1970s, inspiring the design concept and street-facing layout.

A central feature of the café is the handcrafted counter, designed to wind elegantly around the structural pillars. Constructed using the rammed earth technique with crushed red clay, the counter establishes a tactile, visual anchor for the space. Its natural earthy tones are highlighted against bright interiors and sleek white metal shelving, creating a striking contrast between artisanal craftsmanship and modern precision.

The flooring, made from red Portuguese stone, complements the counter and evokes continuity with the adjacent Copacabana promenade, blending the café experience seamlessly with the urban beach landscape. The juxtaposition of natural, artisanal materials with technologically precise elements reinforces the café’s identity as a space that celebrates craft, locality, and sustainability.

Café So_lo Copacabana is more than a coffee shop—it is a community hub, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy a unique gastronomic and cultural experience in Rio. Its design reflects a deep respect for context, materiality, and the enduring charm of Copacabana’s streetscape.