The newest 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters location, designed by HDI, is in the Fortis BC Building lobby in Downtown Vancouver. This project faced unique challenges, including the need for a commercial-style kitchen in a space not zoned for it. We had to create an entire building system, essentially "building a building within a building," to meet local health, safety, and fire codes. Embracing this concept, we designed a "gift wrapped box" with bold, graphic striped Carrera marble tiles and white oak striping to enclose the self-contained fire-rated kitchen and mechanical space.
49TH PARALLEL, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
The front counter design features a clean, contemporary look with black-framed glass display cases to highlight the gourmet doughnuts. Black metal accents are paired with rich marbles, warm oak wood tones, and leather benches to create a warm and sophisticated café environment.
Once a run-down laundromat, the Main Street location has been revitalized into a trendy coffee spot, now a popular Vancouver icon with an open patio and comfortable seating. This project, inspired by the early 20th-century Brooklyn industrial warehouse look, has won 1st place in the North West Design Awards and the IDIBC Shine Awards in the Food & Beverage category.
Simple yet bold bespoke wall sconces and large-scale pendant lighting were installed over the long service counter and seating areas to create a sense of awe. A vast wood ceiling "box" with wire mesh was added to conceal the large overhead ducting vent.
