The Rongbaozhai Coffee Bookstore project is located in a well-known street in Beijing called Liulichang. The previous retailers sold rare books, Chinese paintings, and calligraphy publications.
Rongbaozhai (which means studio of glorious treasures) retained the book store concept but now includes seating surrounded by natural, lively greenery and a fragrant cup of coffee. The new concept has amassed a dedicated following attracted to the open spaces and slow and easy rhythm. The minimalist, light filled interiors welcome all to stay and relax.
The modern 3,200 square feet space has become a role-model for bookstore outposts around the world due to the sleek structure and compound management model.
The store design focuses on transparency to create the feeling of openness. The iron book shelves located through-out the store integrate function, transportation, and illumination. Plants are placed between the steel slats to make the internal space more continuous, to adjust the indoor microclimate and create a space that is full of vitality.
LED light strips are installed at the bottom of the plant boxes which provide readers with indirect illumination. Sciophilous ferns are the primary choice of indoor plants and the high plant boxes are furnished with climbing shrubs. In addition herbs such as mint and pelargonium odoratissimum are placed in front of the windows and on the coffee tables.
The coffee bookstore’s focal point is an island surrounded by the iron bookshelf walls, reading tables, and chairs for patrons. The isle acts as a decorative centerpiece on the first floor and is used as the cashier desk and coffee operating center.
The second story features bespoke glass panes used to create meeting spaces. The glass doors slide to make rooms smaller or larger while their transparency helps retain the open and light-filled theme inside the bookstore.
