A French-Spanish design studio has transformed the everyday espresso experience by creating a striking cube-shaped coffee cup machined from a single block of aluminum. UNAVELA, founded by two former aerospace engineers, has developed what they call the Aluminum Coffee Cup, a sculptural piece that challenges traditional coffee cup design while maintaining full functionality for daily use.
The innovative espresso cup represents a departure from typical ceramic coffee vessels that are often forgotten in kitchen cupboards. Instead, UNAVELA's creation is designed to be a permanent fixture on countertops, serving both as functional drinkware and architectural art. The cube-shaped cup features precise geometric lines and is paired with a matching square frame saucer, both finished in matte silver through bead-blasting and anodization processes.
Designers Javier De Andrés García and Anaïs Wallet, the aerospace engineers behind UNAVELA, have applied their technical expertise to everyday objects, bringing industrial precision to household items. Their aluminum coffee cup represents the first piece in what will become a broader collection of functional objects that emphasize intentional design over automatic use.
The cup itself showcases remarkable engineering, constructed as a tall, narrow cube machined from a single block of 6061 aluminum. The square opening is precisely sized to hold a 50-milliliter espresso shot, while one face features a solid metal sphere that serves as the handle. This spherical handle creates a compelling visual contrast between the sharp, geometric edges of the cube and the pure, rounded form of the grip.
One of the most striking features of the design is how the silver interior reflects the warm color of the coffee when filled. Rather than using a separate finish or coating inside the cup, the natural aluminum surface allows the beverage itself to visually define the interior space, creating an ever-changing aesthetic depending on the drink.
The accompanying saucer demonstrates equal attention to geometric design, taking the form of a flat square frame with rounded rectangular cutouts and a central recess designed specifically for the cube cup. When viewed from above, the saucer appears as a thin border floating around the cube, particularly when rotated into a diamond orientation. The open areas in the design reduce visual weight while echoing the cup's square footprint, transforming the saucer from a simple coaster into what the designers describe as a "stage" for the cup.
The manufacturing process reflects UNAVELA's commitment to precision and quality. Each cup is machined from a single aluminum block using CNC technology, then bead-blasted to achieve a soft satin texture that feels smooth to the touch. A transparent food-grade anodization process protects the metal and ensures safety for beverage consumption, similar to the treatment used on traditional Italian moka pots. Every piece is hand-assembled and quality-checked in the studio's atelier located in southern France.
Despite initial concerns about heat transfer, testing has shown that the cup doesn't become uncomfortably hot to hold. Side-by-side comparisons with traditional porcelain cups revealed similar exterior temperatures during use. The anodized aluminum surface doesn't affect the taste of coffee and meets all food safety standards for beverage containers.
The square opening might seem impractical, but UNAVELA has carefully considered the drinking experience. One side of the square opening matches average mouth width, allowing users to drink from a flat edge rather than an awkward corner. This thoughtful design detail ensures that despite the unconventional shape, the actual drinking experience feels surprisingly natural when the cup touches the lips.
Maintenance of the aluminum cup requires special care that echoes traditional Italian coffee-making practices. The cup should be cleaned with water only, avoiding soap, dishwashers, or scouring pads. This care routine is similar to that required for classic Italian coffee makers and helps preserve the cup's finish and functionality over time.
The Aluminum Coffee Cup transforms the simple act of drinking espresso into what UNAVELA describes as "a moment of interaction with geometry and material." Rather than focusing on maximizing insulation or capacity like traditional coffee cups, this design prioritizes the aesthetic and tactile experience of the ritual itself. The goal is to create a sense of holding something as carefully considered and crafted as the coffee it contains.
This innovative approach to coffee cup design reflects a broader trend among contemporary designers who are turning their attention to small daily rituals. By using precise materials and geometric forms, these designers aim to make everyday moments feel intentional rather than automatic, elevating mundane activities into conscious experiences of design and craftsmanship.
