Hospitality Design

For us, functionality and clever visuality are intimately tied together. Our ambition in hospitality design has found its bodily form in numerous unique and thoughtful restaurants, bars and hotels.  

Understanding the guest experience sets the base for our hospitality design process. We operate with a holistic approach that embraces the potential for spatial design to impact one’s wellbeing. Built environments have a great potential in producing happiness – spaces do, after all, work as an extension to our identity as individuals and communities.

The purpose of our work is to create ground-breaking forward leaning environments, where people want to belong and choose to be together. We aim to question the conventions as we transform spaces into visually rousing experiences.

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The requirements of a space and its users are always unique, which is why our design is always customised to perfectly fit the specific needs. We believe in creating carefully thoughtful spaces emphasising on socially and environmentally responsible solutions.

We use various tools in our process from workshops to producing virtual realities in order to achieve our goals and to help our customers visualize the outcome. We create distinctive experiences that meet and go beyond both the needs and expectations of the guests as well as the service provider’s business requirements.

With the building’s  thirteen floors of Hotel Torni have made the building a prominent landmark of the city of Helsinki ever since its establishment in 1931. In 2018 the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation, with Fyra being responsible for the interior design of the restaurant, the bars, and the reception area.

Client
Sokotel

Location
Helsinki

Area
1657 m²

Year
2022

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

The history of the iconic building guided the forming of the design concept. The aim was to create surprising but elegant elements that respect the building’s original architecture and historical values. As a result, the bar and restaurant spaces delight with individual and distinctive atmospheres.

Torni’s history as a meeting place of several Finnish cultural influencers is reflected in the bohemian ambience of the bars and the restaurant. In an art project run beside the renovation, new art pieces were added to Torni’s impressive art collection by tastefully mixing different styles from different time periods.

Strategy & Delivery

On the hotel’s 13th floor, at the end of a narrow spiral staircase, one can found the legendary Ateljee Bar offering views in four different directions over the rooftops of Helsinki. The Ateljee Bar was extended during the renovation to the 12th floor cabinet space with elevator connection, increasing the accessibility of the bar as a whole and adding to the number of customer seats. The materials for the rooftop bar were chosen not to compete with the impressive views, but to maximise the views through mirrored surfaces.

The restaurant OR, located on the street level of the building, presents a layering of different styles and a bold use of color creating a bohemian atmosphere with art in focus. The American Bar was restored to its original location under the dome in the center of the hotel, the shape of which is echoed by the new bar counter. The dark and elegant atmosphere of the bar is enhanced by Paavo Tynell’s lamps.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Emma Keränen

Interior Architect
Designer

Silja Kantokorpi

Interior Architect
Designer

silja.kantokorpi@fyra.fi

+358 (0)44 031 0899

Bardem is a modern cocktail bar in the heart of Helsinki. The restaurant Penélope gets a new neighbor:  Bardem, a cool and casual cocktail bar specializing in mixed drinks.

Client
Bardem

Location
Helsinki

Area
95 m²

Year
2019

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

When the restauranteurs behind Penélope, Hans Välimäki and Arto Rastas, decided to create a totally new concept in Helsinki, they turned to Fyra. And based on the visual identity created by Kallan & Co, we set out to create the perfect place for everything from celebrations to drinks after work. The result is Bardem – a totally unique bar that people love to visit and hate to leave.

Strategy & Delivery

The very first thing that needed doing was to transform the two-story space in Helsinki’s Epicenter building from a store into a restaurant, giving the surrounding offices, stores and other restaurants a classy yet not-at-all-uppity new neighbor. The idea was for the restaurant to literally center around a large bar featuring prominently-placed bottles.

The bar is meant to be an attention-grabber, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their own personal space. The dark ambiance and dim lighting provide protection from prying eyes. And the laidback vibe pulls guests in and provides a refuse from the hectic life of the outside world.

Bardem’s interior naturally combines the old with the new, creating a unique and laidback atmosphere. The recycled and reupholstered furniture and curtains create a soft and intimate acoustic environment throughout the entire space. Bardem is a modern-day speakeasy where nuances from the 80s all the way to today come together to create something totally new.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Emma Keränen

Interior Architect
Designer

Laura Järvinen

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect SIO
Designer

laura.jarvinen@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 523 7187

Ravintola Kappeli

Located in the very heart of Helsinki, restaurant Kappeli has served as a meeting place for Finnish poets, writers, and artists since its opening in 1867. Taking inspiration from the building’s original architecture and placing an emphasis on its unique cultural history created the foundation for the renovations in 2021, for which Fyra was responsible for the interior design concept.

Client
HOK-Elanto

Location
Helsinki

Year
2022

Partners
Helsinki City Museum

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

The City Museum of Helsinki acted as a partner in the renovation of the protected property. During the process all the extra layers that had developed over time were removed and the space was adorned with a composed elegance that complemented its original character.

Delivery

Alongside fixed furniture a unique, quietly decorative Kappeli chair was designed to be used in both the restaurant and the café part of the premises. Art has played a pivotal role at Kappeli throughout its history. The emphasize the signifance of the unique art of Kappeli, the art pieces were repostioned during the renovation.

As well as emphasizing art, the lighting design sought to draw attention to the unique details of historic architecture. The restored Kappeli reflects the heritage and history of the property in a splendid, welcoming setting.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Anu Latvala

Head of Concepts
Interior Architect

anu.latvala@fyra.fi

+358 (0)41 501 6405

Jasmin Wegelius

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect
Designer

jasmin.wegelius@fyra.fi

+358 (0)400 426 926

Silja Kantokorpi

Interior Architect
Designer

silja.kantokorpi@fyra.fi

+358 (0)44 031 0899

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki

Completed in 1952, the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki is a landmark of the functionalist era. Fyra’s mission was to update the hotel venues but at the same time, preserve the atmosphere of the 50s and respect the original design.

Client
Sokotel

Location
Helsinki, Finland

Area
1492 m²

Year
2020

Partners
Helsinki City Museum

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Awards

Dezeen Awards 2021:
Short Stay Interior (longlisted)

Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2021:
Hotel (shortlisted)

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

During the decades, the building was both repaired and renovated, so the key function was to visually unify the different parts of the building. In the process, lobby areas, rooms, floor corridors as well as the 10th floor restaurant were renewed. The former 5th floor of the Sokos department store was transformed to new hotel rooms.

Strategy & Delivery

In the renovation of the hotel, as much as possible of the original was kept – for example doors and brass numbering were preserved and refurbished and the old armchairs were re-upholstered. Unity was also created by bringing similar bird reliefs to the rooms as in the lobby areas. The lobby reception desk was renovated and at the same time the original furniture and lamps were refurbished.

The 10th floor restaurant hall is a partially protected site with many culturally and historically valuable elements such as the original chandeliers designed by Paavo Tynell. As the key factor of the restaurant is the view over the center of Helsinki, the obstructions in front of the view were removed to open the landscape even more, and the terrace was completely renovated. The restaurant is designed to operate from morning to night by modifying the lighting and different types of furniture.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Niina Sihto

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
WP and Concepts

niina.sihto@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 508 0332

Tiina Närkki

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
WP and RE development

tiina.narkki@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 536 3530

Elisa Ryhänen-Derrett

Interior Architect
Designer

elisa.ryhanen-derrett@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 539 6900

Jasmin Wegelius

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect
Designer

jasmin.wegelius@fyra.fi

+358 (0)400 426 926

Merja Virkkunen

Architect
Principal Designer

merja.virkkunen@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 515 3697

With the building’s over a decade old history in focus, Fyra designed an addition of new rooms for Holiday Club Spa Tampere in the former Lapinniemi cotton spinning mill. While preserving the former factory’s architectural features, the rooms express a characterful, modern atmosphere.

Client
Holiday Club Resorts

Location
Tampere

Year
2022

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

Reflecting the history of the building, original fabrics produced in the spinning mill in the 1900s inspired the use of textiles, while Timo Sarpaneva’s prints from the 1960s are displayed above the beds as the centrepieces of the rooms. Lapinniemi’s cotton spinning mill was the first to produce fabrics using Sarpaneva’s pioneering Ambiente technique, which enabled producing watercolor-like, almost psychedelic patterns. The calm tones of the walls and floors contrast with the strong colour surfaces of the textiles. Fixed furniture are designed by Fyra.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Elisa Ryhänen-Derrett

Interior Architect
Designer

elisa.ryhanen-derrett@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 539 6900

Ella Liuksiala

Interior Architect

Silja Kantokorpi

Interior Architect
Designer

silja.kantokorpi@fyra.fi

+358 (0)44 031 0899

Restaurant Bardot by top chef Hans Välimäki and Arto Rastas in the Helsinki city center is focused on classic French cuisine.The interior is based on French bistro aesthetics and Brigitte Bardot – the idea was to create an uplifting and international restaurant interior.

Client
Bardot

Location
Helsinki

Area
210 m²

Year
2020

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

Bardot is located in an old Art Nouveau building – the classic architecture was also a source of inspiration in the design. The team wanted to display the food and cooking to the customers, so part of the kitchen was integrated into the restaurant hall.

Strategy & Delivery

The functionality of the space was increased with the bar, where the restaurant can expand when full, otherwise the bar is an independent part of the restaurant with its own entrance. The lighting of the venue is flexible and emphasizes the functionality and warm atmosphere of the space. The French atmosphere was also sought in the furniture by using vintage pieces. The fixed furniture designed by Fyra was ordered from Finnish carpenters.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Anu Latvala

Head of Concepts
Interior Architect

anu.latvala@fyra.fi

+358 (0)41 501 6405

Jasmin Wegelius

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect
Designer

jasmin.wegelius@fyra.fi

+358 (0)400 426 926

Laura Järvinen

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect SIO
Designer

laura.jarvinen@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 523 7187

The bar at Hotel Kämp is an iconic cocktail lounge with a history going back to 1887. Fyra’s mission was to renew the bar while honouring its history and doing justice to its international stature.

Client
Kämp

Location
Helsinki

Year
2020

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

The aim was to build a uniform solution where the different spaces – the bar, lobby and brasserie – would complement one another naturally. The renovation of the brasserie will serve as the finishing touch. The starting point for the work is functionality, through the lens of which the whole service chain was reconsidered.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Emma Keränen

Interior Architect
Designer

Silja Kantokorpi

Interior Architect
Designer

silja.kantokorpi@fyra.fi

+358 (0)44 031 0899

Original Sokos Hotel Tripla

A hotel in the new heart of the city – located in the largest shopping mall in the Nordics, Original Sokos Hotel Tripla is a big hotel that will surprise you with its cozy, home-like atmosphere.

 

Client
Sokotel

Location
Helsinki

Area
24 000 m²

Year
2020

Partners
Werklig

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

The new Mall of Tripla in Helsinki’s Pasila neighbourhood is a massive mall with many faces. It’s a shopping centre, an entertainment centre, a train station, and the home and workplace of thousands of people. The idea was to create a hotel that was literally the opposite of the hustle and bustle of its busy surroundings.

Fyra set out to tackle the challenge together with the design agency Werklig. The strategy centred on the idea of creating a hotel that, despite its massive proportions, was actually human-sized at heart. The result was a stylish and timeless hotel built on a sense of community and designed to feel like its own village.

Strategy & Delivery

The hotel lobby opens up into the mall with a bar and cafe. The communal and homey feel extends from the public spaces all the way to the rooms. With 430 rooms, the Hotel Tripla is definitely large for Finland, but it doesn’t feel at all like a big hotel.

These days it goes without saying that sustainable development was part of the design process from the start. Both the materials used and the style choices made have to stand the test of time. The hotel has no unnecessary elements at all.

The hotel embodies modern Scandinavian design, which centres around light and light colours. Homage was paid to the environment of Pasila by using concrete, and inspiration was also drawn from the concept of grids.

The Tripla project aimed to use new solutions to solve some of the most typical hotel problems, while also questioning the conventions of hotel design. The result is a range of new furniture solutions and floor plans, as well as new technical solutions designed to handle high volume and consumption. Cooperation with a local artists’ collective and Finnish villages enhanced the village-like feel.

It took a large number of professionals to complete a project as big ­as the Hotel Tripla – from architects to carpenters and everyone in between. And it took an extra amount of successful collaborations to build a place that’s not just a hotel but a community.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Emma Keränen

Interior Architect
Designer

Jasmin Wegelius

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect
Designer

jasmin.wegelius@fyra.fi

+358 (0)400 426 926

Laura Järvinen

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect SIO
Designer

laura.jarvinen@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 523 7187

Valo is a new hotel concept that offers hotel services, meeting and coworking facilities. The hotel needed a combination of a multi-purpose bistro and a lounge bar to serve the hotel guests but also to function as an independent restaurant and a bar

Client
SSA Hotels Oy

Location
Helsinki

Area
Elo bistro 304 m² and Suo bar 246 m²

Year
2020

Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski

Expertise Hospitality Design

Details

Background

Fyra designed two different restaurant spaces for Valo, with Scandinavian communality as the unifying roof theme. Nordic style is reflected in the material choices as well as in the atmosphere. The core of the plan for Elo bistro and the Suo bar is functionality. In the morning, both serve as the hotel’s breakfast room, during the day as a business lunch spot, and in the evening the bistro and bar serve local people in addition to the hotel guests.

Strategy & Delivery

Beautifully patinated natural materials were preferred in Restaurant Elo’s material choices. Ash parquet and ceramic tiling create light warm tones. When choosing the furniture Fyra had to take into account heavy use and sufficient room to move around the furniture.

Most of the furniture is designed by Fyra and commissioned from local carpenters and the rest comes from new Finnish design brands. The furniture of the Suo bar was also supposed to be suitable for dining. The business angle had to be taken into account e.g. as charging points for phone a nd computer.

Team

Eva-Marie Eriksson

Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants

eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi

+358 (0)40 537 7350

Laura Järvinen

(on parental leave)
Interior Architect SIO
Designer

laura.jarvinen@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 523 7187

Sara Koivisto

Interior Architect
Concept Designer

sara.koivisto@fyra.fi

+358 (0)50 365 7219