Flowing computer-controlled lines add a bold touch to new Buffalo Chocolate Factory

Buffalo-based architecture firm Arch&Type, in collaboration with local architects and artisan chocolatier Ben Johnson, has transformed a 72-square-metre space into a new workshop and retail space in Buffalo, New York, USA.

The space, described as Buffalo’s “new chocolate heaven,” features a digitally designed ceiling of hand-assembled, painted and CNC-milled pieces that is inspired by an image of golden, silky, flowing untempered chocolate.

A large group of regional artisans, designers, student interns, family of the business owner, colleagues from the University at Buffalo, and entrepreneurs worked on this large project, as explained by Arch&Type .

Guests are drawn to this sensual surface, visible through the front window and drawing their attention to the white oak joinery and whitewashed walls.

A frameless plaster door with a brass base blends seamlessly with the walls, drawing attention to the workshop areas where community classes and production take place. Custom mirrored displays present chocolate as art in a gallery setting.

“Despite limited resources, the design elevates a generic space into a celebration of chocolate through atypical expertise,” said Arch&Type.

“The custom joinery is the result of a collaboration between the architect’s father, a skilled craftsman and chemist, and one of the company’s designers.”

“Student interns from the university’s Digital Fabrication Lab used robotic precision and craftsmanship to create the cascading gold ceiling. Buffalo Niagara Weldworks metal masters brought their artistry to the mirrored display dishes and brass details, working closely with architects and contractors,” the company said. added.

This project is an excellent example of the success of regional cooperation and creative design techniques. The final product is a piece that challenges the region’s typical architectural features while remaining distinctly Buffalo.

A large and committed team used a combination of digital and manual techniques to achieve a common goal: to honor the craftsmanship of architecture and chocolate.

Floor plan

Section

Section

Section

Section

Arch&Type, led by Seth Amman and Adam McCullough, creates spaces rooted in their clients’ stories by combining creative strategies and building traditions.

Project Facts

Location: 799 Seneca Street, Suite D-1, Buffalo, NY 14210

Customer: Blue table chocolates (Ben Johnson)

Completion date: 2024

Architecture and design: Arch&Type (Seth Amman and Adam McCullough)

Carpentry manufacturing: McCullough Design and Mark Amman

Parametric 3D modeling: Mariella Hirschoff

Parametric programming: Dan Vrana and Wade Georgi (University at Buffalo) Parametric Tile Making (University at Buffalo students): Mariella Hirschoff, Naiara Mares, Raul Nieto, Tavian Swick, Fazal Khan, Jonathan Reyes, John Archilla Parametric Tile

Place of manufacture : University at Buffalo, SMART Lab School of Architecture

Metal manufacturing: Buffalo Niagara Weldworks

Building owner: Larkin Development Group at Millrace Commons

General contractor : Pike Construction Services

Customized lighting: Tala

All images © Kim Smith Photo.

All drawings © Arch&Type.

> via Arch&Type

Arc and Type
Buffalo
chocolate
gold
shop