IPI Kulmakuppila

IPI Kulmakuppila (in English: café on the corner) is situated in the Helsinki district of Kallio.
The café extends over 4 stories with a total floor space of 190 sq. m. About half of the walls are of glass giving the entire café a bright and pleasant atmosphere. In its former role as an antiques shop it was without much charm since its rooms were packed with old books and bulky wooden furniture.
In the course of renovation work anything that had no load-bearing function was removed. Just a couple of walls, pillars and the staircase were left inside. Plaster and mortar remains were completely removed from the walls so as to expose the structure of the bricks. New walls were put up using bricks that closely replicate the original ones. The objective was to preserve the initial architecture. The flooring was matched with the walls. Concrete in combination with an extensive use of oak wood is part of the design concept producing a relaxed yet impressive atmosphere.

The conversion of the building included an extension of the second floor to gain extra space for the lounge. Light is provided nearly everywhere by means of dimmable indirect illumination. All doors tables, benches, seats and other furnishing objects have been carefully selected and most of them are unique handmade items. To add the finishing touch to the café, all visible objects, such as plates, cutlery and glasses have been chosen by designers. Menus, flyers, business cards and other products are designed along the same lines. The café also boasts a special video installation and the music being played has been specifically composed for this establishment. Green plants lend the café a fresh appearance and add to the pleasant acoustics.
The café is furnished with Butterfly Chairs specially chosen for this venue. Their design is unique and exemplifies both the present and the future of classic furniture. The material used keeps up with the café interior and complements the impressive and atmospheric ambience. It is an omnipresent design element throughout the café – oak wood in combination with metal and leather and chairs covered with high-quality fabric and fur.

The café is conceptualized as a holistic establishment. Sustainable products, sustainable management in harmony with the whole.
It should also be noted that inclusion is regarded an important part of personnel policy here as the café also employs the mentally impaired.

Designteam: Suunnittelutoimisto Petra Majantie Oy