Opened in October 2023, El Fant Café & Bar is the place not to be missed during your next stop in the Finnish capital.
Head to Torikorttelit, one of the most vibrant areas in central Helsinki. This historic district, dating back to the 18th century, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking cultural outings, thanks to its proximity to Helsinki Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the City Museum, and the cruise terminal. Food lovers will also be delighted, with boutiques, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Among all these essential spots, El Fant Café & Bar is an absolute must-visit for anyone lucky enough to set foot in the Finnish capital.
To shape this convivial space, the Yatofu agency, founded in 2017, was selected. Its design was inspired by the neighborhood's tradition and community energy. "Yatofu proposed recreating El Fant Café & Bar as a destination that would not only inject more creative energy into Helsinki's Old Town, but would also explore the unique potential of contemporary Finnish design. The design perspective would explore the balance between the novelty of a unique interior concept and the heritage of local values and traditional materials," the studio explains.
Thus, to express the values and benefits of local production, Yatofu chose to use solid pine from northern Finland. This wood was used as the raw material for the custom-made furniture created for the space, designed by a talented young generation of local artisans. For Yatofu, this is a " an ode to the young, creative minds that permeate the city ". " El Fant offers a relaxed and contemporary atmosphere where people and ideas come together around food, coffee and wine. »
Pine was chosen not only as a sustainable building material, but also, and perhaps more importantly, because it has been used as a raw material for centuries in the crafts of this northern European country. It also evokes notions of nature, purity, and sincerity, while simultaneously possessing a practical aspect. Working closely with Puutamo, a carpentry workshop run by the young carpenter Eveliina Ylönen, Yatofu opted to use 4-centimeter-thick pine planks to craft all the custom-made furniture in the space.
For the lighting design, the architects called upon the talents of Paja&Bureau, a firm run by two talented designer-craftsmen specializing in metalwork. They brought to life the light fixtures designed by Yatofu—custom-made integrated lamps in galvanized steel—as well as all the shelving and the entire bar counter.
El Fant's aesthetic stems from this harmonious union: the coolness of galvanized steel softened by Finnish pine. This same pine, on some of the seats, is further enhanced by a saturated tomato red. The solid pine dining chairs were selected from the catalog of the Finnish brand Vaarnii, chosen for its commitment to this essential raw material.
Minimalist, respectful of the resources that helped shape it, and honoring its young creation and traditions, El Fant has all the hallmarks of a good student and sets the stage for creating warm and meaningful places.
ELFANT.INFO
