Kafé Magasinet by Robach Arkitektur // Göteborg, Sweden

Architects: Robach Arkitektur.
Location: Göteborg, Sweden.
Area: 120.0 sqm
Year completed: 2014
Photography: Henrik Lindén.

In 2013, Gothenburg restaurant operator Avenyfamiljen acquired two buildings on Tredje Långgatan. The intention was to change their function from an auction house into three restaurants, exhibition areas and corporate HQ, as well as a wine bar, a beer café, Kafe Magasinet, a food truck, 200sqm rooftop farming and an organic bakery. This makes Auktionsverket Kulturarena the most varied public commercial project in Gothenburg for a long time.

Kafe Magasinet is located in the the older building, which was originally used as warehouse since the 19th century. The building is well known, of historical interest and of a protected status, designed by Carl Fahlström. It was built in classicist style, with medieval touches and symmetrical organisation. The building, finished in 1892, is claimed to be the world’s oldest building that was intended for auction operation.

The concept for the interior was to keep it original, use the soul of the room and it’s humble character. Existing concrete floor, walls and surfaces were kept with minimal treatment. The traces of a removed floor structure and electrical appliances were left exposed on the wall surface. Original cast iron columns were painted black. New copper and glass doors are added to the old timber doors.

Untreated plywood, fibreboard and black steel are recurrent materials in the interior, a material choice that goes in line with the raw, informal characteristic of the space. The bar follows the mirrored symmetry of the space and can be reached by several sides. Bar, back bar, and shelving are made out of untreated plywood and pigmented fibreboard. The long sitting bench spans along the whole wall opposite the bar and is made out of untreated plywood, with local materials and built on-site. The choice of untreated materials allows the guests to leave their traces of use.