Designing Allpress Manchester: From Concept to Coffee Shop

Prior to Allpress setting up shop here, the Redfern Building has had almost 100 years of previous occupancy and use. Built in 1936 for the Cooperative Wholesale Society, the Grade II listed building is referential of Dutch Brick Modernism and 1930s Art Deco Modernism. The latter of these is better known as Streamline Moderne: an international style of Art Deco which was inspired by aerodynamic design, defined by elements such as emphasised curving forms and horizontality. This style emerged from the advancements in manufacturing, transportation and aerodynamics across the world; a marker of the modern world favouring efficiency and modernity, and stepping away from decoration and ornamentation in architecture.

The use of an existing building not only provides character and aesthetic value, but is also a sustainable option when compared to commissioning a new building. The building was refurbished in 2019 by Manchester-based Architects Sheppard Robson, including the refurbishment of the existing facade, as well as improving accessibility and drainage.

Although the use of a Grade II listed building offers significant opportunities, both in terms of heritage features and sustainability benefits, it also comes with design constraints. These challenges were worth pushing through, however: the reactivation of the ground floor of a key building in NOMA is highly valuable in terms of the animation of the streetscape, as well as the architectural value that the Dutch-brick modernist inspired building brings to the area. 

Internally, the material palette is aesthetically strong in its confidence and simplicity. The inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian design is evident through the intentionality of the design, as well as specific design elements such as the slender oak beams throughout the space. The materiality of the space was governed by necessity - the space is a functional cafe, kitchen, and roasters, and so part of the brief was that the space should be as durable and practical as it is beautiful, which has been successfully achieved. Deidra spoke to us about the materiality of the space in more detail:

“Hospitality spaces need to be incredibly hard-wearing. Knowing there would be equipment moving through the space and large deliveries etc, it needed to last while also feeling inviting and being a space you want to spend time in.

With that in mind we used a blend of three key materials: Stainless steel and concrete for longevity and endurance, and an equal measure of oak to balance and add the warmth the space needed.”

The Redfern Building’s rich architectural history was also a source of inspiration for the designer, Deidra Hodgson. Although working within listed buildings can create a level of restriction, Deidra tells Böhm that these restrictions can ultimately lead to interesting outcomes, even if at first such restraints do not feel positive. Beyond the existing building itself, Deidra shared with us the inspiration behind the design. 

"Prior to this cafe we had worked with Allpress on developing Design guidance for future sites, overarchingly the tone of the stores was developed with keeping/improving on some of the previous design gestures, having a core set of humble, hard working materials and a kind of New Zealand Modernist vernacular, where cues from Japan and Scandinavia are pulled from.

Of course though when we saw the site we then also drew from the 1930’s art deco architecture of the building and added curved accents and made sure to highlight the bones of the building. The building is inspired by Dutch Brick Modernism, so all the influences seem to fall into place.”