Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published October 18th, 2026 | Source: Snøhetta
Project Details
Architect: Snøhetta
Location: Oslo, Norway
Typologies: Transformation & Expansion, Restaurant, Visual Identity
Themes: Coffee Culture, Sensory Design, Materiality, Social Interaction, Branding
Status: Completed
Year: 2025–2026
Client: Magnat Kaffehus
Carpenter and Entrepreneur: Henriksen Snekkeri
Cork Material: Corkinho
Lighting: Anker & Co
Photographer: Pernille Sandberg
In the historic area of Kvadraturen in Oslo, Élan Coffee Bar turns a simple act of enjoying a coffee into an intricate performance of senses. Designed by the firm Snøhetta, the interiors have been crafted from the old showroom of the Magnat Kaffehus located in the building named Sjøfartsbygningen, where the skill in coffee machinery, specialty coffee, roasting, and brewing are showcased. This is because unlike many other cafés, the act of drinking coffee here is considered to be a whole performance.
The core idea of the project revolves around an intentional reconsideration of the typical coffee bar. Rather than positioning clients and baristas at different sides of each other, Snøhetta develops a common center where actions can take place. The focal point of the café is the circular bar crafted out of stained oak and equipped with a solid countertop along with a sculptural block of solid cork. The organically shaped object that received heat treatment to accentuate the texture is a perfect counterbalance to the accuracy of the darkened wood.
Circular oak counter and sculptural cork volume forming the social centre of the café © Snøhetta
Materials are intentionally kept sparse in order to make the key components stand out. Cork has been used not only on the counters but also in custom furniture and seating areas. This material provides a cohesive tactile language to the interior. The porous and matte surface of cork also gives warmth and helps to create an acoustic environment. At the back end of the café, there is another meeting room with a coffee-brown modular sofa and patterned carpets.
Another key element of the concept is colour. Snøhetta uses colours that refer to the anatomy of the coffee cherry: red outer skin, silver film, and turquoise-green coffee beans. The turquoise colour becomes a distinctive accent in the suspended installation above the counter and at the same time connects the new interior with the oxidized copper facade of the Sjøfartsbygningen building. A palette of turquoise and brown colours is reflected in the visual identity of Élan.
Turquoise overhead installation echoing the coffee cherry palette and the oxidized copper details of the historic building © Snøhetta
The ceiling installation is more than just a visual feature of the café. It is an integral part of the café’s sound system as well, making sound a part of the architecture. The composition “Sound of Élan” was created by Jonas von der Fehr to give each section of the café its own unique sound environment. The music changes from the vibrant atmosphere around the main counter to the more relaxed area for sitting down.
Ceiling-mounted sound installation defining the transition between the energetic bar and quieter seating areas © Snøhetta
The sensory method broadens the concept of hospitality past just sight. The open-plan concept promotes interaction within the café space, but the positioning of furniture, counters, sound, colour, and material leads to varying levels of activity and intimacy. The ritual of drinking coffee becomes a more experiential process for visitors to observe and participate in, rather than an experience to be consumed. This architecture physically expresses the culture of experimentation of Magnat Kaffehus, which involves experimenting with roasting profiles, preparation techniques, syrups, and flavour combinations.
Custom cork furniture and seating areas demonstrating the restrained material language of the interior © Snøhetta
In addition, Snøhetta created the visual identity of Élan under the philosophy of “boundless.” The identity is expressed in abstract patterns and designs along with the use of microtypography and animations, creating a visual language that is open to different meanings. This design allows individuals to be curious about something and discover more for themselves. It is a project where interior architecture and branding work hand in hand with each other.
Élan’s visual identity is expressed through turquoise-and-brown graphics, typography, and the café’s physical interior. © Snøhetta
In the end, Élan offers its coffee culture as a multifaceted experience. The design of its structure is not based on complexity or an excess of material. Instead, the studio works with a refined selection of materials, a powerful counter, sculptural cork, colour, openness, furniture, and sound to create a new kind of experience for the visitors. Located in the historic part of Kvadraturen, the project makes a modern place for coffee drinking, where craftsmanship, sociability, materiality, and branding come together into one whole.
