Swiss minimalism meets electric innovation in Gramática Studio’s clean identity for Four Hundred

For Four Hundred (MG), a Swiss speciality coffee roastery pioneering electric roasting technology, precision defines everything. From their use of the world’s first triple heat system roaster to their commitment to sustainable practices, the company operates at the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility. When it came time to develop an identity that could match this ethos, London and Riga-based Gramática Studio embraced the challenge of translating technical excellence into clear, utilitarian design. The roastery’s name stems from the recommended daily caffeine intake – 400 milligrams, roughly equivalent to four cups of coffee – immediately establishing the brand’s focus on balance and mindful consumption. This scientific approach to coffee culture informed Gramática’s entire design strategy, where every decision serves a specific purpose without unnecessary embellishment. “We brought together three core ideas that define the roastery: the Swiss Alps, an active lifestyle and precision coffee roasting,” explains Designer & Partner Elvijs Pūce. “The identity reflects this through a clean, minimal look that feels both technical and grounded in nature.” Rather than relying on typical coffee industry aesthetics, the studio developed a system rooted in Swiss design principles and practical functionality. This approach reflects Four Hundred's own operational philosophy – the roastery uses the Stronghold S9X, a 100% electric roaster that combines convective, radiant and conductive heat for optimal results while maintaining environmental responsibility.