Japanese architecture studio I IN has designed Blue Bottle Coffee's first-ever kiosk location at Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California, featuring a minimalist industrial design constructed entirely from prefabricated stainless steel components. The innovative modular structure marks a significant milestone for the coffee chain, which operates numerous traditional storefronts across Asia and the United States but has never before ventured into kiosk-style retail spaces.

The design philosophy behind the project centered on creating "a design that would clearly express the brand in any location," according to the studio. I IN's approach utilized modular, prefabricated stainless steel components that could be easily assembled on-site, giving the structure a distinctly minimalist and industrial aesthetic. The cool metallic tones are strategically complemented by signature blue elements, including a louvered blue-painted canopy that allows natural light to filter into the space and an illuminated blue base that creates a striking visual anchor.

"The stainless steel reflects its surroundings, intentionally softening the building's presence within the environment," explained Yohei Terui, co-founder of I IN, in an interview with Dezeen. "In contrast, the brand's signature blue asserts a strong identity. It appears in different forms – the logo on the wall, the blue glow at the floor, and the open, airy blue louvres at the ceiling. Each element occupies only a modest surface, yet together they stand out clearly, even from a distance and every different angle."

The choice of stainless steel as the primary material was influenced by the international nature of the project and sustainability considerations. Terui noted that working on a US project from Japan presented unique challenges, particularly in material selection. "When working across countries, material selection often becomes a big challenge," he explained. "The repeated process of sending and receiving samples highlighted a certain gap with today's sustainable mindset. It became essential to focus on materials that can be mass-produced and are easy to work with."

The prefabricated modular approach offers significant advantages for future expansion, according to Terui, who leads I IN alongside co-founder Hiromi Yuyama. "Since all parts can either be pre-produced or made readily available, a substantial reduction in construction time can be expected," he said. "At the same time, minimizing unnecessary material waste is a major advantage. Of course, there is a certain appeal in having each store feature a different design. Yet, I also feel that we are re-entering an era where the value of design consistency – so long as it is compelling – can be newly appreciated."

The kiosk's functional layout includes a food counter, dedicated food and coffee preparation areas, a point-of-sale section, and a staff area. Strategic lighting from both above and below draws attention to the signature blue color elements throughout the space. "We see light as something powerful and beautiful above all, a presence that reaches into people's hearts," Terui said. "At the same time, depending on how it is used, light can also create discomfort or even disrupt a design. In this project, the challenge was to ensure clarity and visibility under any conditions, while maintaining a strength that would not be lost within its surroundings."

The Valley Fair location represents the beginning of a broader expansion strategy for Blue Bottle Coffee's kiosk concept. Cary Cheng, the company's global head of cafe design and experience, confirmed that the Valley Fair kiosk will be followed by "several new kiosk openings" throughout the United States. This development suggests the coffee company sees significant potential in the smaller-format retail model pioneered by I IN's innovative design approach.

I IN brings considerable experience working with Blue Bottle Coffee, having previously designed a traditional store location in Takanawa, Tokyo. The studio has also demonstrated expertise in creative commercial design through other projects, including their use of green and yellow lighting to distinguish restroom facilities in a Japanese shopping center. The photography for the Valley Fair kiosk project was captured by Tim D Coy, showcasing the interplay between the reflective stainless steel surfaces and the bold blue accent elements that define the space.