Few people know that Paulig Group, a famous coffee manufacturer, has Russian origin. It was founded in 1876 by the German, Gustav Paulig, in the Grand Duchy of Finland, which was a part of the Russian Empire then. Paulig is a family-owned company with a rich history which actively develops coffee culture and responsible consumption. Therefore, Paulig’s coffee houses are not so much commercial project as educational one, as barista school operates and professional trainings are held there continuously.
Paulig coffee house on Myasnitskaya Street in Moscow is the second in the world (the first one is situated in Helsinki). The main goal of the interior design was to create modern and trendy space which would include the elements of coffee culture, history of the company along with images of Finland’s nature in order to emphasize the company’s traditions and reflect ecology and responsible consumption issues, important for the company.
A lot of light wood, traditional for Scandinavia, is used in the interior. Tiled floor, specially made according to our patterns, imitates stones. Interior comprises a lot of greenery, including moss and lichen that are typical of the northern nature. Live tree over 4 meters high is a central element of double-height space. Initially, we wanted to use a birch tree there, but the idea was to use live tree, and a birch tree blooms, sheds leaves, so it would be difficult to make it a part of the interior.
Unlike the cozy interior of the main part of the coffee house, barista school which is separated by transparent walls is neutral and technological space intended for the study. By partial contrast with the coffee house rooms, it draws guests’ attention to the processes in the school.
Along with a greenery, the interior includes details related to the coffee culture and the company’s artifacts.