williamson chong designs tasting bar for pilot coffee roaster in toronto

williamson chong designs tasting bar for pilot coffee roaster in toronto
all images courtesy of williamson chong

in toronto’s east end, a former building supplies warehouse has been dramatically transformed into a multifunctional coffee establishment. designed by local architecture office williamson chong, the hub is the city’s first such facility open and accessible to the general public. the entire scheme has been completed for pilot coffee roasters, a toronto-based company who specialize in the holistic process of sourcing and roasting coffee beans. 

the pilot hub is the city’s first roasting facility that remains accessible to the general public

the scheme utilizes the existing building’s large open spaces, and incorporates the exposed structure and service lines as part of the design. in making the coffee’s production line entirely transparent, customers, baristas, and wholesale clients can understand the relevant methods involved.

a curved tasting bar is topped with a concrete wrap-around counter

the building’s rough shell is complemented by finely detailed small volumes, delineated by wood-clad shells and other elements. upon entering the space, guests are met with a curved tasting bar, topped with a concrete wrap-around counter. the boiler for the espresso machine sits beneath the work surface, allowing staff to engage with customers without a physical barrier.

a regular menu offers coffee aficionados a wide choice of options
images courtesy of pilot coffee roasters

clad in white oak paneling, the ‘coffee lab’ is used for tasting various blends with intense precision. the room contains a bank of various coffee machines, grinders, and testing equipment, and is used for training, experimentation and workshops. additionally, a large custom-made table in the center of the room is aligned with a soundproof window overlooking the production area.

the coffee lab is used for tasting various blends with intense precision

the third element of the design is an office with direct view of activity on the adjacent floor, while the central space – equipped with a 24-kilo diedrich roaster – houses the main production area, storage racks, and packaging tables.

the central space is equipped with a 24-kilo diedrich roaster

(left) the diedrich roaster being cleaned by a member of staff
(right) detail of the espresso machine’s visible parts above the counter
images courtesy of pilot coffee roasters

the main production area, including storage racks and packaging tables

coffee can be delivered using pilot’s full-time bicycle courier
images courtesy of pilot coffee roasters

the entrance to the industrial building

the forgotten industrial strip in toronto’s east end

floor plan

site plan indicating the site’s proximity to the rail line