BUILT.WORKS

Barnaby’s first chocolate shop in Covent Garden was designed to establish a distinctive identity rooted in the history of British chocolate making. Working closely with Tom Morris of Morrisstudio and the client, we developed a concept that reflects the brand’s values of craft and authenticity. Every element was handmade, from the bespoke solid oak shopfront with traditional tusk-and-tenon joints, to the interior finishes that showcase the chocolate as carefully as jewellery. We collaborated with Common Objects to produce hand-made tiles in our Kendal workshop, refining the geometry, colours, and textures to create a richly tactile, contemporary retail environment.

Status: Complete
Client: Barnaby Bars
Location: Covent Garden, London
Contractor: K&D Joinery
Ceramics: Common Objects
Creative Direction: Morrisstudio
Branding: Irving & Co
Photography: Ollie Tomlinson, Built Works
Awards: AJ Small Projects Finalist
Press: World of Interiors, Architects Journal, Dezeen, Design Anthology

Inspired by Arts and Crafts traditions, we designed the Barnaby shopfront to emphasise honesty in construction and handcrafted detail. Formed from 75x75mm solid oak profiles, the robust framework continues inside to shape the cabinetry and panelling, creating a unified material language. Fabricated by K&D Joinery, the solid oak construction highlights natural character and craftsmanship, providing a warm, enduring backdrop that reflects the care and quality at the heart of Barnaby’s handmade chocolate.

We collaborated with Morristudio to design a bespoke tiled floor that would ground the Barnaby store in texture, geometry, and craft. Together we explored patterns, proportions, and extensive sampling of colours and finishes to achieve the right balance of richness and restraint. The tiles were then hand-made in our Kendal studio with Common Objects, allowing us to refine every detail of the surface. The result is a unique floor that embodies Barnaby’s ethos of artistry and authenticity.