“Mirka Home,” true to its name, is a home base for the staff — a place where people meet and enjoy spending time together.
The idea of a park—a calming space where employees can unwind and enjoy lunch—grew from a quiet spark of inspiration.
A full-length acoustic wall panel softens the hum of conversation, while tall greenery offers a sense of privacy to each seating area.
MIRKA HOME
500 m2
2021
Jepua
Architectural Design | Interior Architecture | Lighting Design | Acoustic Design | Fixed Furniture Design | Concept Design | Graphic Design | Service Design | Project Management | Workplace Development
Challenge
Mirkan pääkonttori ja tehdas sijaitsee Jepualla, lähellä Vaasaa. Rakennukseen oli suunniteltu paikka henkilöstöravintolalle ja sen yhteyteen rakennettavalle kokouskeskukselle.
The designed space was tall and filled with natural light, but special attention needed to be paid to acoustics and comfort. The aim was to create a welcoming environment that encourages interaction and celebrates good food. At the same time, the materials had to be suitable for restaurant use—durable, easy to maintain, and user-friendly.
The goal was to make the space live up to its name: “Mirka Home” — a home base for the staff, where people come together and feel at ease.
Benefit
A restaurant environment was brought into the space, operated by Mirka’s in-house kitchen staff. From this starting point, the idea of a park emerged — a place where employees can relax and enjoy lunch. This concept is echoed in the café’s tall, tree-like plantings and the adjacent terrace just outside the building.
A full-length acoustic wall panel effectively dampens the buzz of conversation, while wood veneer surfaces soften the atmosphere of the high-ceilinged space. Alongside the restaurant, a café, a private meeting room, and a designated spot for enjoying packed lunches were added. All of these spaces were designed to support informal meetings and spontaneous encounters as well.
Through varied furniture solutions and material contrasts, the space gained richness and versatility. Every fixed furnishing — from tables and acoustic panels to the bar-height tables with slatted partitions — was custom-designed by Kohina specifically for this space.
Holistic design creates a striking and functional experience.
All fixed furnishings—such as tables, acoustic panels, and bar-height tables with slatted dividers—were custom-designed by Kohina specifically for this space.
