WorkGraphic Design

A new identity for Yardstick Coffee by ACRE

Singapore-based creative agency ACRE created the new identity and interior design for Yardstick, an institution of coffee, aspiring to increase the knowledge and profile of specialty coffee in the Philippines. This inspired the logo, which resembles the national flag of Philippines, but rotated.

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Light wooden desk with red drawer panel, open magazine, small potted plant, blue cup and brown paper bag in minimalist interior space

Rather than having a corporate colour, ACRE devised a ‘corporate’ palette where they would have the freedom to mix and match, infusing a sense of playfulness mingled with the seriousness of coffee craft. The project embodies three parts: a cafe, a coffee roastery and a coffee lab.

They explained: "We embraced the use of colours selectively, almost clinically, to recreate a playful workshop, in keeping with the philosophy of invoking fun. Key touch points in the space are accented by a playful use of colours. Finally, the use of diffused lights help to eliminate shadows thereby creating an even canvas to communicate a clean and honest space."

Yardstick Coffee opening hours sign with coloured bands displaying weekday and weekend times and the hashtag #yardstickcoffee on a dark-framed background
Wooden architectural elements and furniture pieces in natural and pastel colours arranged in Yardstick Coffee's interior space, with tables and stools visible in the background
Bright, minimalist coffee lab space with wooden furniture, coloured benches and a sloped play structure, lit by skylights
Yardstick Coffee's bright, open-plan interior featuring wooden tables with coloured accents, a coffee roastery counter, exposed ceiling beams and natural light from skylights
Yardstick Coffee's open-plan roastery and lab space features wooden workbenches, shelving with coffee supplies, and diffused ceiling lighting throughout the industrial interior
Minimalist café interior with wooden tables and stools, some with coloured top panels in green and coral, beneath a large window and exposed ceiling beams
Minimalist café interior with natural wood tables and stools, coloured panel accents in blue and green, small potted plant, and bright natural light from large windows
Minimalist café interior with natural wood tables and blue accent panels, small potted plants, and bright overhead lighting in neutral tones
Interior of Yardstick Coffee showing shelving with menu boards for coffee, pairings, and non-coffee drinks, along with coloured wooden frames and a chalkboard for bites
Illuminated menu board at Yardstick Coffee displaying coffee options including daily brew, hand brew and cold brew with prices, alongside colourful branded signage
Interior view of Yardstick Coffee showing a minimalist workspace with potted plants, coloured furniture and soft diffused lighting creating a clean, playful atmosphere
Light-filled Yardstick Coffee lab space with wooden tables and chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and a large frosted glass partition wall
Yardstick Coffee's interior featuring wooden bar seating with yellow stools, shelving displaying coffee equipment and products, and minimalist white and natural wood finishes throughout the space
Wooden chairs with yellow circular footrests arranged around tables in the Yardstick Coffee interior, with a black-framed partition visible in the background
Blue and timber bar stools line a minimalist interior space with wooden counters and shelving at Yardstick Coffee
Yardstick Coffee's laboratory workspace featuring two silver kettles on a black countertop with red accents and metal faucet
Wooden workbench with turquoise blue accents in Yardstick Coffee's roastery space, featuring storage cupboards and a dark work surface.
Yardstick Coffee's light wood counter with espresso machine, grinders and colorful coffee cups in a minimalist cafe interior designed by ACRE
Close-up of Yardstick Coffee's laboratory workspace showing espresso machine and equipment with mint-green cabinetry and black countertop
Person using espresso machine equipment at Yardstick Coffee's roastery and lab space
Wooden blocks in cream, natural wood, teal and terracotta arranged on concrete floor beneath angled wooden beams for Yardstick Coffee's interior design
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