Where coffee, knowledge, and passion come together – The coffee makers' station café at Basel SBB train station
More than coffee – a practiced philosophy
It was immediately clear to me that the Kaffeemacher:innen were not creating an ordinary café project. It embodies a philosophy in which coffee is not just a product, but a living passion. The process begins on their own farm in Nicaragua, at Finca Santa Rita in the province of Dipilto, Nueva Segovia. From there, the green coffee is sent to their roastery in Basel, where it is processed with the highest care to ensure the best quality and flavors.
A central part of their work is the Coffee Academy, where knowledge is shared. Courses, workshops, and online classes teach in-depth expertise about preparation, sensory analysis, and the art of roasting. This allows both amateur baristas and professionals to learn how to properly enjoy and appreciate coffee. It is particularly remarkable that the roasted coffee is only produced on demand to avoid overproduction and ensure sustainability. Every step is carefully considered, and each stage of the process contributes to quality and the responsible use of resources.
A day full of impressions
On September 2, the big day finally began for me. Early in the morning, I took the train from Frankfurt to Basel and was greeted with a cappuccino. The construction site was still in its final steps, and while I waited, I explored the rooms and looked for the best perspectives for photography. It was exciting and challenging to let the still chaotic-looking rooms impress me and at the same time think about how I could best capture the atmosphere.
In the afternoon, the real work began. I photographed my way from top to bottom through the café while the team of Kaffeemacher:innen took care of the final details. It was impressive to see how the rooms literally came to life during the day. Every corner told a story of craftsmanship and creative love. Watching the transformation from a construction site in the morning to an inviting café in the evening was a special experience. Every corner spoke of craftsmanship and creative love. Finally, I took some exterior shots while the team gathered for a small celebration. On the way back to Frankfurt, I felt very happy to have experienced and documented this special day.
A welcoming place
The new café is not just a place to order coffee, but a space where people enjoy spending time. The architecture, furnishings, and atmosphere reflect the company's values. The wooden structures and warm materials create an inviting environment, while real coffee plants add lively accents and encourage visitors to linger. The café's offerings demonstrate the comprehensive commitment of the Kaffeemacher:innen. In addition to serving coffee, there is freshly roasted coffee to buy, accessories and equipment for coffee lovers, regular free workshops, and even sourdough bread from the in-house bakery, the Brotmacher:innen. Everything is handmade and conveys appreciation for the producers and guests alike.
My conclusion
The Kaffeemacher:innen café is much more than just a place to eat and drink. It reflects the values that the team lives by every day: sustainable coffee enjoyment, the highest quality, a sense of responsibility, and the desire to offer people a place to meet and feel good. As an architectural photographer, it was a special experience for me to capture this philosophy in pictures. Visitors to the café not only enjoy excellent coffee, but also an invitation to take their time, to enjoy the experience, and to discover the world of coffee in all its facets.