Architecture is different here, somehow more modern. It is fun to have the chairs turned towards the sea.
Tapio Laakkonen and Hanna Hämäläinen, customers at Café Mattolaituri according to the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper on 15th July 2011
This project is an excellent example of how important it is to understand and capture a strong spirit of place in architecture. It forms an organic part of its environment, marking its place with a few simple but confidently rendered geometrical strokes. The structures and materials are physically durable and lasting, the detailing executed with skill.
Marko Kivistö, Finnish Architecture Biennial Review 2014
Café Mattolaituri was built by the sea, near a former rug washing pier (hence the name) on the southern tip of Kaivopuisto park. It is open from spring to autumn. All customer places, totalling 200, are on two terraces: one on the shoreline in front of a little building, one on its roof. The building itself contains a bar and staff facilities.
Piers and boats, the islands off Helsinki and the sea horizon afford the customers views that change during the course of the day and year.
