Jan Kattein Architects’ Carpenters Dialogue Express cafe repurposes train carriage

The firm has converted the carriage to host the new cafe Carpenters Dialogue Express, in Stratford, east London, which is run by Dialogue Hub, a social enterprise promoting dialogue and exchange with Londoners who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Reusing the vintage train carriage was more sustainable than constructing a new building. The cafe represents the train carriage’s third re-incarnation after its previous second life as a visitor attraction at the Eureka Children’s Museum in Halifax. The interior has been carefully re-made using plywood panelling, bold colours and soft lighting. A miniature train set travels along wall-mounted shelves above head height through tunnels cut into the built-in furniture.

Once on board, customers receive instructions for how to order in British Sign Language (BSL), helping to spark conversation between visitors and their deaf baristas. Dialogue Hub also offers weekly BSL classes open to all and a programme of events for local people.

More than 11 million people in Britain are deaf or have a hearing impairment, and unemployment and associated economic deprivation are disproportionately high amongst this group. Dialogue Hub aims to provide pathways into employment and break down social barriers.

The project is part of Newham Council’s plan for the regeneration of the Carpenters Estate. Proposals will create a sustainable neighbourhood with 2,300 homes, new commercial spaces, green spaces and community facilities. The cafe is part of programme of meanwhile activities planned for the estate, which will also include outdoor gym equipment forged from steel from knives collected on London’s streets.

Jan Kattein, Director of Jan Kattein Architects, said, “Dialogue Express scores beyond its league. It’s a modestly scaled project but a bold manifestation of what can be achieved when people work together to put social and environmental objectives first.”

Hakan Ebir, founder of Dialogue Hub, added, “The Dialogue Express cafe is built on the idea that design can foster inclusion. Every detail of the cafe is shaped to encourage connection between Deaf and hearing communities, turning a simple act like ordering a coffee into an encounter that builds empathy, understanding, and belonging.”

Dialogue Express is located at 96 Gibbins Road, London E15 2HU and open to the public Mon–Fri 7am–7pm and Sat 11am–7pm.