Usine Concept Restaurant in Stockholm by Richard Lindvall.

A former 2000 sqm sausage factory in the heart of Stockholm has been transformed by an award-winning designer Richard Lindvall into the new Usine restaurant concept. The interior is a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism with an industrial twist, taking inspiration from hotels and restaurants in Shanghai, New York and Amsterdam. 48 tons of concrete were used in the construction (wowzer!), not only for for the floors, but also to construct the two bars, a reception desk, a large sofa table and a 3,5 meter wash basin in the rest room.

The cladding on the walls is made from expanded metal, cut into smaller segments and placed within black lacquered steel frames, creating a hint of Art Deco style. The tables and sofas are designed by Richard and made by a carpenter in Lithuania. The big fig tree at the entrance was chosen mainly for it’s amazing gray bark. Maple wood, cognac coloured leather, concrete, galvanised steel, white tiles and black iron details create a stylish but relaxed atmosphere. To add an accent colour, Valcromat in orange and brown was used for table tops, side tables, cabinet doors and menus.

The large space is divided into three rooms, all revolving around a central black iron beam structure that has been designed to create unique functions for each area. The centre of Bistro 38 holds a long two-level sofa where one side faces the massive concrete bar and the other, lower part is turned towards the dining area. In Poche 36, the central iron beam has been transformed into a flexible table that can serve both as seating and as service station for the staff. In the café area the main iron feature was turned into a high shelf structure with bar seating around the base.

Connecting the three areas is a spacious corridor serving as a gallery with new exhibitions coming up continuously.

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[Images courtesy of Richard Lindvall. Photography © Mikael Axelsson.]