Chinese architecture studio SoBA Architects has designed a cafe and florist in Kunshan, China, housed within a foldable box structure.

The project, called The Bloom Box, occupies a 40-square-metre platform beside a lake, previously serving as a sunshade pavilion in an urban park in Kunshan.

SoBA Architects developed a vivid yellow, box-shaped pavilion that can be easily opened or closed depending on the season and the amount of daylight.

During opening hours, the cafe’s walls slide and adjust to expose the interior space to the outdoors. When closed, the building transforms into a compact, enclosed box.

“Our aim was to enliven this location with a lightweight, adaptable structure—a welcoming place where people naturally want to stop and spend time,” said SoBA Architects.

“We envisioned a building that feels dynamic—one that responds to the passage of time, changing weather, and the needs of its users, so it becomes part of the city’s daily rhythm instead of remaining a static object.”

The structure features a lightweight steel frame for stability on the floating platform, while translucent aluminium cladding lets in both light and air, creating an inviting atmosphere inside the box.

On one side of the coffee counter, the facade can be lifted outward to provide a temporary canopy for visitors.

Adjacent to the building, a long wooden bench was installed, shaded by translucent panels composed of a steel frame and ECTFE membrane, providing a comfortable resting spot for customers.

SoBA Architects describes their approach as a “stable skeleton and dynamic skin,” which not only lengthens the building’s life but also allows it to adapt and interact with its urban surroundings over time.