ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

CALIPER's Curved La Marzocco Linea Mini Has No Flat Surface to Rest a Cup

architecture-design · 2026-07-03

The design studio CALIPER, located in Madrid, has transformed the La Marzocco Linea Mini espresso machine by eliminating all straight lines, resulting in a model devoid of flat surfaces for cup placement. This innovative version was created for HELIOT EMIL's Paris SS27 showroom, 'Troxler,' and was showcased by Joe & The Juice during Paris Men's Fashion Week. The machine's casing is entirely made of polished stainless steel with all curves. HELIOT EMIL's Instagram notes that the absence of resting surfaces encourages users to hold their coffee until it is consumed, preserving its peak flavor. Unique features include a paddle instead of a traditional portafilter handle, engraved knobs with brand names and numbers 07, 13, 25, 34, and a curved drip tray. Two pressure gauges are visible through a lower window, displaying the internal group head. Joe & The Juice transformed its Rue Marbeuf location with a monochrome aesthetic, including custom window vinyls, a black menu, black cups, and a limited-edition Black Iced Latte. This activation took place from June 23–28, 2026, coinciding with Paris Fashion Week Men's SS27. The design has been likened to Montaag's Anza aluminum-cast espresso machine, which focuses on minimalism rather than eliminating functional surfaces.

Key facts

  • CALIPER rebuilt the La Marzocco Linea Mini housing in polished stainless steel with all curved surfaces.
  • No flat surfaces remain on the machine; cups cannot be set down.
  • Developed for HELIOT EMIL's Paris SS27 showroom 'Troxler'.
  • Unveiled by Joe & The Juice during Paris Men's Fashion Week.
  • Custom paddle replaces standard portafilter handle.
  • Machined knobs etched with brand names and numbers 07, 13, 25, 34.
  • Joe & The Juice store at Rue Marbeuf converted to black-on-black theme.
  • Activation ran June 23–28, 2026.
  • Limited-edition Black Iced Latte with black sesame syrup and raw cacao.
  • Design rationale: protect coffee's brief optimal drinking window.

Entities

Institutions

  • CALIPER
  • HELIOT EMIL
  • Joe & The Juice
  • La Marzocco
  • Officine Fratelli Bambi
  • Montaag

Locations

  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Paris
  • France
  • Rue Marbeuf
  • 75008 Paris

Sources