Guillam
The Whiteley | London
Guillam Coffee House seamlessly combines modern minimalism with timeless sophistication, aiming to enhance the specialty coffee experience. Located in the historic “The Whiteleys,” which used to be a drapery shop, this rich heritage serves as the main inspiration for the wave design and craftsmanship of the fabrics used in the space. This design is evident in the curved counter, the bar’s back wall, and the bespoke tables. Additionally, the branding colours, paired with a rich walnut finish on the panelling, highlight the elegant connection between the brand and the influence of The Whiteley throughout the overall design.
The Challenge
The Challenge
Our main challenge was creating an elegant space while adhering to the historical building’s requirements. The front facade retains the existing historical features, while the interiors were retrofitted. This meant there was a gap between the facade and the building that needed to allow for movement while still attaching both elements. As the first retail store to open in the building, we were figuring out how to solve complex historical building details while maintaining the desired look and feel for the space.
Our Solution
Our solution involved excellent communication with everyone involved: the landlord’s team, the historical architects, the client, and the project management and construction companies. We collaboratively researched what had been done before and adapted it to fit the space. It was a true team effort, initiated by the KAI team, who reached out to everyone who could help bring the vision to life.
Testimonials
"The KAI team was able to bring our vision to life, integrating historical references from the Whiteley building with elegance and our brand colours into the design of the space to showcase an elegant coffee shop atmosphere. The design team delivered the sophisticated ambience we desired and also created a perfect space to showcase our amazing coffee."
"The KAI team was able to bring our vision to life, integrating historical references from the Whiteley building with elegance and our brand colours into the design of the space to showcase an elegant coffee shop atmosphere. The design team delivered the sophisticated ambience we desired and also created a perfect space to showcase our amazing coffee."
Abdelrahman Fathalla | Managing Director | Guillam Coffee House The Whiteley
Awards
We’re extremely proud of the award-winning work we’ve delivered over the years.
