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. 

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
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.

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
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.

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
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.

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
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.

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
the central space is equipped with a 24-kilo diedrich roaster

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
(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

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
the main production area, including storage racks and packaging tables

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
coffee can be delivered using pilot’s full-time bicycle courier
images courtesy of pilot coffee roasters

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
the entrance to the industrial building

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
the forgotten industrial strip in toronto’s east end

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
floor plan

williamson chong pilot coffee roasters toronto canada designboom
site plan indicating the site’s proximity to the rail line