BERKELEY BOWL

This independent grocery store is a beloved Berkeley institution, known for its mind-boggling selection of fresh, affordable and organic produce. Their second location’s 144,217 square feet include the store itself, as well as a warehouse, commercial kitchen, staff facilities, offices, community room, café, underground parking and photovoltaic system. A welcoming entry portico separates the main store from the café. Inside, the front of the store and checkout lines are distinguished by a dropped wood slat ceiling, which lends warmth in an otherwise industrial material palette while also making the scale of the space more inviting. On the café part of the building, perforated metal corrugated siding lets light into the exterior stair and courtyard. North-facing roof monitors further bring an abundance of light into the middle of the retail and produce areas.

J. Conner for Kava Massih Architects
Photographed by Ethan Kaplan & Francis Combes