Housed within a 1960s brick warehouse in the heart of Moorabbin’s industrial precinct, Rubia Coffee Roasters reimagines a once utilitarian structure as an immersive and contemporary café experience. The project sought to elevate the Rubia brand by creating a destination that celebrates the craft of coffee roasting while offering a refined, welcoming space for patrons.
The design balances sophistication with warmth, openness with intimacy. Expansive double-height volumes form the backbone of the café, where a striking glass wall frames the coffee roasting facility beyond—transforming the production process into a central visual and sensory feature. The intervention celebrates the building’s industrial past while breathing new life into its material fabric.
Externally, the former carpark has been redefined as a landscaped outdoor seating area, defined by custom laser-cut metal screens that reference the site’s industrial heritage. Inside, a palette of off-form concrete, blockwork, steel, glass, and timber establishes a raw yet refined material dialogue—honouring the existing warehouse character while introducing warmth and tactility.
Beyond the café, the project incorporates a first-floor office fit-out, including an expanded boardroom and supporting amenities. The result is a cohesive, multi-functional headquarters that unites Rubia’s commercial operations with a public-facing café—an architectural translation of the brand’s ethos: transparency, craft, and connection.