Enroute is located along West 1st Avenue, a designated bike route in Vancouver British Columbia that travels east-west along the ocean, connecting the city’s core with residential neighbourhoods. We were approached by three friends to design a space along this commonly traveled route. Being distinguished cyclists themselves, they saw this as an opportunity to extend their passion into the community.
The clients wanted a place they could sell top of the line cycling gear without becoming an intimidating and unwelcoming retail environment. This led to a program that was multi-use, a place to stop for your morning coffee, get your bike tuned up, and purchase new gear. The cafe then becomes a community hub for passing cyclists, riding clubs and residents of the neighbourhood rather than merely a high end retail destination. From the location of the cafe, the route extends east towards downtown Vancouver and west towards the ocean, where one feels like they have left the city entirely, surrounded by the lush forest and the pacific ocean’s endless horizon. This extreme contrast between city and nature allows the cafe to become a popular stop for all types of cycling whether it be leisure, daily commute or road racing.
Further design decisions progressed naturally from this idea of a residential community hub. We opened the facade, adding custom bike racks and patio seating that spill out to the street. The interior palette became whimsical with subtle nuances throughout referencing bicycle geometry, balanced with a light, minimal palette to keep the design refined and modern
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