Introduction
On a busy corner in a Japanese city, Yuko Nagayama & Associates built a new café called AOI Celestie Coffee Roastery. A large, curved roof made of 28,000 ceramic tiles sits above the café. The tiles shine and change with the light and rain. The design combines simplicity, nature, and daily city life. If you’re ever in Japan, be sure to visit AOI café Japan for an unforgettable experience.
The Roof and Tiles
The roof has a smooth, curved shape. The architects used blue tiles in six shades. The colour is light at the top and dark at the bottom. These tones reflect the sky and shine when it rains. Each tile is handmade and coated with glass glaze to reflect light. If you are interested in architecture, AOI café Japan offers a unique blend of aesthetics.
“We used tiles to remind people of older city buildings, before tiles disappeared from modern exteriors.”
— Yuko Nagayama & Associates
Inside the Building
The café has three levels:
- Ground floor: roasting area, kitchen, and order counter.
- Second floor: views of the olive garden with wide windows and natural light.
- Third floor: open bar space under the curved roof, with views of the city.
A central open atrium connects all levels and makes the building feel bright and connected. AOI café Japan integrates natural light beautifully.
The Courtyard and Green Space
The architects placed an open courtyard in front of the café, with olive trees and seating areas. The courtyard gives a sense of peace in the middle of the busy street. People can sit near the windows and enjoy the view outside, adding to the charm of AOI café Japan.
“We wanted to create a simple place where people can sit, reflect, and feel part of the surroundings.”
— The design team
Connection to the City
The café stands between tall residential buildings. Still, it feels open and light. The large roof makes the café easy to notice, but it does not feel heavy. The blue tiles help the building blend with the sky and reflect the light in a soft, natural way.
Project Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | AOI Celestie Coffee Roastery |
| Location | Japan |
| Number of Tiles | 28,000 ceramic tiles |
| Tile Type | Blue shades with glass glaze |
| Number of Levels | 3 floors |
| Key Features | Curved roof – Olive courtyard – Large windows |
| Materials Used | Concrete – Brick – Ceramic tiles |
| Design Goal | Create a calm and open space in the urban setting |
