This is our very last Build-Out feature for the 2025 series, and to close things down we’re headed to—where else?—the city of Ljubljana, which is home to an impressively brutalist new coffee bar called Raw (stylized as .raw). This has been a particularly stirring and wonderful edition of the Build-Outs of Coffee, but don’t fret—we’ll wrap things up with our annual “Analytics of Autumn” breakdown post in the coming days. But for now, Slovenia beckons.
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
As told to Sprudge by Tamir Grays.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Our newly opened .store cafe is an inspiration space, cafe and concept shop. It’s an extension of our branding and marketing studio called .raw.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Nestled in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia, .raw is redefining the concept of specialty coffee shop. Combining brutalist design with a multidisciplinary approach, this hybrid venue functions a cafe, gallery, concept shop, and design studio.
The project is the brainchild of designers Rob Svenšek and Tamir Potokar, who envisioned .raw as a transparent and open environment where creativity can be both seen and experienced. Wrapped in glass walls, the space invites passersby to observe the team in action. Meanwhile, visitors are encouraged to step inside the adjoining gallery-concept shop, where curated goods and the studio’s own merchandise offer a tangible connection to the brand.
At its core, .raw draws inspiration from brutalist architecture a style known for its unrefined materials and functional aesthetic. The space’s design features exposed concrete ceilings and floors, rough marble displays, and sleek metal pillars. The stripped-back interiors celebrate imperfections and highlight the beauty of natural materials, perfectly aligning with .raw’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.
The founders describe .raw as an “open kitchen” a fitting metaphor for a space that thrives on transparency and collaboration. The design process is on full display, creating a unique intersection between work, community, and commerce.
As Ljubljana continues to establish itself as a design-forward city, .raw offers a fresh take on how creative spaces can serve both professionals and the wider community. By blending brutalist aesthetics with a focus on craftsmanship and community, this space is poised to become a hangout spot for creatives and a hub of inspiration.
What’s your approach to coffee?
We source and roast our own coffee. Currently we have coffee from Nestor Lasso (Colombia) on filter and Las Perlitas on espresso.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
La Marzocco Linea Mini, Arco coffee grinder and Gina from Goat Story for filter.
How is your project considering sustainability?
We care about good design, hence quality is the highest form of sustainability. Overall we use compostable take-away cups and encourage people to take their time and rather drink the coffee in our space from re-usable ceramic cups. We sort our waste and we’ve made the space very low energy.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened in March 2025.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
All the products we sell in store, from the cups to the stones we used are sourced locally. We are the designers of them but we use local craftsman for assistance.
Thank you!
Thanks!
The 2025 Build-Outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Ceado, and Dona.
