Palad revived Matkus Shopping Center´s rescue furniture

In the “Islands of Matkus”, the inviting seating areas at the Matkus Shopping Center in Kuopio, sustainability, recycling and craftsmanship are combined with designer furniture.

The black-painted wooden benches used in the central aisles of Matkus and the black wooden flower pots found in the warehouse were already on their way to the landfill. Palad’s designers saw potential in the furniture and wanted to give them another chance. In the hands of Palad and carpenter Puusepänliike Heikkinen, the furniture in poor condition got a new life as individual rescue furniture.

“Sustainability is an important value for us, and we don’t want to encourage the purchase of new furniture if the old furniture is usable. By renovating the old, you get wonderful, personal furniture that will last for decades. When the work is done by local craftsmen, the vitality of one’s area is supported simultaneously. This way we can leave an empathetic footprint on the world”, explains the designers of Palad, the artist-architect couple Partanen & Lamusuo.

“When the renovation is commissioned by local craftsmen, the vitality of one’s area is supported simultaneously. This way we can leave an empathic footprint on the world.”

The right look was found through experimentation

Palad initially tried different surface treatments on one of the benches with their long-term business partner, Puusepänliike Heikkinen. A high-quality and attractive piece of furniture emerged from under the worn surface paint. Through experiments, a look that was just right for Matkus’ premises was found for the benches.

“The restoration was an exciting process. It was amazing to see how the look of the furniture changed as if by magic with small changes in sanding strength and different shades of natural wax. The customer was strongly involved in the process from the beginning and we made choices as a team, thinking together. Many thanks to the customer who joined the renovation project enthusiastically and with an open mind!” compliments Partanen & Lamusuo.

The benches were carefully restored. The old paint was removed and the sanded surfaces were treated with natural wax, which protects the surfaces and gives them a beautifully patinated surface.  The result combines durability and style in a way that complements the warm look of the Islands of Matkus.

The wooden flower pots that were forgotten in Matkus’ warehouse also got a new life as wonderful eye-catchers. At the same time, precious storage space was freed up for other uses. The old paint surface was removed from the pots and the surfaces were treated in a way that the benches and pots form a unified whole. The pots were filled with silk plants, which bring greenery and a natural atmosphere to the space.

Recycling is not only an ecological solution, but also a way to create layers in the interior. Each bench and pot carries a history that combines to form part of Matkus’ present and future.

Refurbished furniture brings history into the present

An inspiring renovation project shows how disused and abandoned furniture comes to life through creativity and collaboration. In this way, old furniture can be transformed into functional and beautiful parts of a modern space. Local know-how is utilized in the renovation, and the handprints of the craftsmen involved in the project seamlessly become part of the shopping center’s story.

In addition to the renovated furniture, with the cooperation and expertise of Partanen & Lamusuo and Puusepänliike Heikkinen, an iconic meeting place, the Benches of Matkus, was created in the shopping center. You can read more about the Benches of Matkus in our article “See you at the Benches of Matkus!”.

The Benches and Islands of Matkus are not only places to rest or spend time. They show how responsibility and creativity can be used to create something unique. During the Matkus project, a long-lasting and beautiful whole was built with recycling, renovation, and craftsmanship.

Renovating an old piece of furniture is an eco-deed that allows both restorers and furniture owners to throw themselves into the process. The result is wonderful furniture and the joy of discovery and success.