How to bring change and introduce new elements while respecting 27 years of history and a loyal customer base? This was the challenge when trusted with designing the new event space Telpa at Osiris restaurant in Riga. We sought to find a balance between the old and familiar, and the fresh and innovative. Our design needed to be empathic towards current clientele, while also attract additional audiences.

The logo of Osiris is as legendary as the cafe itself. The Eye of Horus has been greeting customers since it opened in 1994. So we looked to the eye for inspiration, and it became the very foundation of our design.

Telpa is shaped around one central piece of furniture – a bespoke transformable table. Fully intact the table represents the Eye of Horus. Since the space is intended for hosting varied occasions, such as conferences, brunches and parties, the table can be taken apart. Each part can serve as a standalone table, so the room is easy to reconfigure for smaller and larger groups.

We gave equal attention to both form and function to unlock the space’s full potential. A combination of the original vintage tiles and epoxy, the floors alone illustrate the tactful balance between old and new. Lighting sets the scene for different times of day and occasions. Bespoke fabric curtains inject colour and cater to split the room into smaller sections. Window seats gave reason to introduce more material diversity, and allowed expanding on the number of diners able to fit in the room at any one time.

On a regular day Telpa can serve as an extension of the main dining room. It builds on the original interior story. 

Team: Zane Tetere-Sulce, Beatrise Dzerve

Build: Promark Construction