NOLA by O'Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects
NOLA, a coffee shop on Peckham’s Rye Lane, has been thoughtfully reimagined by O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects for musicians Josephine and Anthony Vander West of Oh Wonder.
Conceived during a moment of abrupt pause in their touring lives, the project channels their connection to global coffee culture and their desire to build a supportive, community-centred gathering point in their neighbourhood.
The concept responds to the character of Rye Lane—a setting shaped by movement, exchange and a constant flow of people. Within this context, the café embraces the humour, diversity and energy that define Peckham, while introducing a distinct layer of coffee culture rooted in warmth and connection. Low, modular seating lines the front of the shop to invite passers-by inward, transitioning to taller bar elements and shelving toward the back. Subtle references to the letters N, O, L and A are embedded throughout the furniture geometries, creating a playful continuity between the café’s identity and its interior elements.
Timber-framed cork boards wrap the perimeter walls, offering both tactility and flexibility as they rise into shelving for display and storage. A stainless steel bar forms the central spine of the café, paired with a custom coffee machine that brings a refined technical presence. The workflow has been deliberately mapped to support the baristas, balancing efficiency with an open, visually light atmosphere for guests. Earlier layers of cement plaster were carefully removed to reveal original London stock brick, restored with a lime wash to let the building’s history breathe again.
Natural materials, daylight and crafted details shape NOLA’s atmosphere. Cork, granite and handmade ceramic cups contribute to a setting that feels warm and grounded. Collaborations with local artists weave community involvement into the fabric of the project, while sustainable choices—such as locally sourced Douglas fir for modular furniture and acoustic cork linings—reinforce an ethos of care. The granite flooring, selected for its durability and graceful aging, extends the feeling of the street into the café and strengthens the connection between inside and out.
With its informal layout, generous glazing and quietly confident use of materials, NOLA offers a calm moment amid the pace of Peckham. It serves as a meeting point for locals, first-time coffee drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike—a place shaped by community, craft and a shared appreciation for good coffee.
