ODA architecture: breadbox cafe

‘breadbox cafe’ by ODA architecture, queens, new yorkimage © frank oudeman and carolina moscosoall images courtesy of ODA architecture

in response to the owner’s request to demolish the existing gas station garage to create a culturally vibrant addition to the revitalization occurring in queens, new york, local firm ODA architecture‘s ‘breadbox cafe’ maintained the original building and converted it into a bakery and cafe as an adaptive reuse project. the deteriorating 1950’s brick masonry wall was invigorated with slender vertical steel members framing a rolling-pin skin, serving as much a symbolic as a functional and social purpose. each roller was sponsored by an individual or group, with proceeds heading to the new york foundling organization to assist in creating a tutoring program for children in foster care.

hollowed concrete block and grass along the pavement combats the otherwise significant heat island effect, while the introduction of vegetation begins to convert the program into a pedestrian-friendly park-like gathering point, previously non-existent in that part of manhattan. the interior retains much of its original material palette, with exposed polished mechanical systems and pipes along the ceiling with the introduction of a partition made of wood panels and two skylights to fill the space with natural light.

approach from street image © frank oudeman and carolina moscoso

rolling pins incorporated in the facade images © frank oudeman and carolina moscoso

renovated surface textures for interior and exterior partitions images © frank oudeman and carolina moscoso

entrance sitting area and outside deck image © frank oudeman and carolina moscoso

original structure

interior illustration

interior illustration

conceptual diagram