The address of the Manam Chocolate Karkhana is an old house which has been transformed with design interventions to suit the brief - to retain the original simplicity of the structure, yet purpose-built to reflect the brand story and the experience it wants to showcase. The aim is to invite people from all walks of life to experience and explore an Indian perspective on chocolate.
The existing load-bearing structure was adapted and repurposed to create large halls, removing columns and incorporating the original slabs to preserve the organic nature of the space. The false ceiling was designed to flow around the structural beams, reminiscent of the fluidity of chocolate. The MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems were customized and optimized to fit within the limitations of the old structure.
Inspired by the cacao farms in the West Godavari region, the design aims to capture the essence of the origin of cacao, evoking a sense of being surrounded by earth, sky and trees. The journey through the space is akin to walking through the farms and experiencing the full cycle of the chocolate making process.
The design concept juxtaposes three distinct characteristics: the rawness of cacao, the art of chocolate-making, and the characteristics of the origin. To reflect this, a grounded palette of honest and textural materials was carefully chosen. Wood represents the verticality of trees, weathered steel pays tribute to hand tools and the industrial process, and artistic hand-casted floors resemble walking on leaves. Traditional concave terracotta roof tiles, repurposed architectural columns, and indigenous stones bring a glimpse of their Indian origin, reinterpreted in a contemporary manner to convey a sense of time and craftsmanship.
The experience begins with the façade, designed in tune to the brand's Origin Tablets (conventionally refer to as bars), offering a direct connection to the essence of Manam Chocolate. Upon entering, visitors find themselves in the retail space, where structural elements are softened, and light becomes the primary form of ornamentation, creating a play of shade and shadow akin to sunlight filtering through cacao trees. The fluid forms within the space reflect the smoothness of chocolate.
Moving through the retail area, visitors embark on a journey through the chocolate-making process, ultimately reaching the café. The café environment is reminiscent of the farm, with tactile materials, hand-crafted furniture, and carefully selected lighting. A central cacao tree becomes the focal point around which customers gather to enjoy their cup of hot chocolate.
Manam Chocolate Karkhana is not just a retail space; it offers a holistic farm-to-confection experience, encompassing the entire process of chocolate production, from the cacao farms to the carefully curated retail offerings.
The journey begins at the curved glass setting of the chocolaterie, preserving the organic nature of chocolate making and embodying the fluidity of the product. Within the space, visitors are greeted by captivating bulbous curves that shape the retail area, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere. Video screens seamlessly integrate the farm-to-confection concept, showcasing both the human touch and the industrial aspects of chocolate production, while also providing a glimpse into the texture and essence of cacao in its various forms. The tablet collection wall serves as a window into the process, from allowing customers to observe the bean roasting, to the creation of chocolate tablets. Decals on the glass offer insights into the journey from raw cacao to the finished product.
A highlight of the experience is the Chocolate Lab station, where customers can actively participate in crafting their own tablets, engaging with the process firsthand. From this vantage point, they can gaze over the café space, observing people indulging in the joy of experiencing chocolate in various culinary delights and coffee creations. The factory space exudes an ambiance of precision and attention to detail, while the Chocolate Lab becomes a focal point where customers can intimately connect with the craftsmanship and artistry of chocolate making. By seamlessly integrating the production process within the retail environment, Manam Chocolate Karkhana stays true to its origins while inviting customers on an immersive journey into the world of Indian craft chocolate.
The overall identity of the space harmonizes with playful impressionistic artwork and vibrant, sophisticated colours that represent the brand and its products. The combination of refreshing brand visuals with the raw yet refined interior creates a warm and approachable interpretation of Indian Craft Chocolate at the Manam Chocolate Karkhana.
By seamlessly integrating design elements that embody the essence of Indian craftsmanship and the process of chocolate-making, Manam Chocolate invites customers to embark on a journey that traces chocolate back to its roots.