Restaurant Design

Café Kakkugalleria at Stockmann and Lyyra

What does an inviting and softly homelike café look like, and how can it be integrated into the refined atmosphere of Stockmann’s iconic department store?

Kakkugalleria, established in 1999, was given the opportunity to open a new location at Stockmann. With a tight schedule and technical constraints due to the building’s protected status, they turned to Suunnittelutoimisto Amerikka for support. The aim was to create a stylish café and bakery that respects artisan spirit, in a prominent street-level window location.

Craftsmanship, Finnish design, classic aesthetics, and simple form language are the unifying elements of both the café’s products and its space within the historic Stockmann building. The overall atmosphere is light and clean, with authentic materials creating a sense of inviting warmth. Wooden chairs and contrasting tables, together with wooden surfaces, bring rhythm and character to the space. Classic lighting completes the ambiance. Combined with service, these elements come together to create an enjoyable customer experience.

Good Design Made Everything Possible

The fixed furniture in the café store plays creatively with shapes and levels to support the business. Details are meticulously finished, visible for example in the lighting and the rhythm of the paneling. For instance, lighting directed towards the floor softly reflects the recognizable shade of the old pink color. The space can be described as classic, Scandinavian stylish, and fresh. The vision was realized with furniture choices featuring a prominent role for Artek’s Kori lamps and Atelier chairs, both custom-colored to match the overall palette.

“A month to renovate before the curtain went up,” recalls interior architect and project manager Sanni Ruola, referring to the tight schedule. Ruola, who led the project, emphasizes the importance of collaboration for achieving a successful outcome. Alongside Amerikka’s design and project management, Stockmann’s property management strongly guided especially the technical design aspects. For example, the entrances to the shopping corridor and HVAC placements were predetermined. “Good design made everything possible,” sums up Sami Granroth, CEO of Kakkugalleria.

Cafe Locations in Prime Spots – Kakkugalleria Lyyra

Kakkugalleria already had previous experience working with Amerikka. Construction of Kakkugalleria Lyyra began in 2022 in the science and economics block developed by Ylva, located in the heart of Hakaniemi near Kallio, as Kakkugalleria expanded its cafés at key transit hubs.

The original idea of designing the color scheme and interior concept grew into a full design and project management package provided by Amerikka, as the construction had to consider the broader requirements of the entire Lyyra development. As Lyyra nears completion and the surrounding streetscape is finalized, Kakkugalleria will also be able to offer services on a summer terrace.

facts

Subject:
Kakkugalleria Stockmann and Lyyra

Customer:
Kakkugalleria Oy

Timeframe:
2022/2023

Scale:
85 m², 65 m²

#designbyamerikka:
Concept design, space planning, interior and furniture design, café design, contract and implementation planning.

Team

Sanni Ruola
Roosa Verkasalo

Top 3

Created the flagship concept for Kakkugalleria in the prestigious Stockmann building through an interactive design process, all within a tight schedule.
The project integrated the client’s wishes and needs with the existing commercial space and operational constraints in a way that creates value for all parties involved.
A stylish café and bakery that respects artisan spirit.

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Does your space need development? Don’t hesitate to reach out—no matter the size of your project, we’ll work together to find the best solution for your specific needs!

info@amerikka.fi