Renovation Design for METAL HANDS Coffee Youyi Store Garden Branch by SA Architects

Introducing a Garden Oasis in Beijing’s CBD

The METAL HANDS Coffee Youyi Store Garden Branch, renovated by SA Architects, redefines the urban coffee experience in Beijing’s bustling Guomao CBD. Positioned in a small courtyard, the design seeks to stand out among chain coffee brands and boutique cafés by creating a space that not only attracts visitors but encourages them to linger, socialize, and return.

Inspired by the concept of “building a greenhouse in Beijing’s CBD,” the renovation integrates a lush indoor garden with the café’s seating area, blending natural elements with modern architectural techniques. This approach transforms the coffee shop into an urban retreat—a serene oasis amid the city’s commercial intensity.

Architectural and Interior Design Features

The café’s design emphasizes a contrast between open, bright seating zones and functional logistical spaces. The front area welcomes guests with modern, light-filled interiors, while the back retains enclosed operational zones. Historic character is preserved through the original brick exterior wall, allowing the building to maintain its unique historical identity.

One of the renovation’s highlights is the curved-glass greenhouse roof, creating a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the garden. To address excessive sunlight exposure in summer, the design incorporates multiple strategies:

1. Structural shading for natural light control
2. Tensioned mesh filters to diffuse sunlight
3. Adjustable sunshades for comfort and flexibility
4. Vintage ceiling fans to enhance air circulation
5. Strategically placed greenery to provide natural cooling and ambience

Historical Integration and Spatial Storytelling

SA Architects approached the design with “historical fragments” as a guiding principle. By carefully selecting and preserving historical relics, cultural symbols, and memories, the café achieves a harmonious balance between the past and present. Modern interpretation and scenographic restructuring allow the space to become a tangible narrative carrier of history, providing guests with both aesthetic pleasure and cultural connection.

The result is a coffee shop that transcends typical urban cafés—combining interior design, landscape architecture, and historical storytelling into a cohesive and immersive experience.

All Photographs are works of UK Studio