Neumühlequai 10

Project by Leticia Almeida Davoglio

Café Elena

The café is located in District 1 behind Zurich’s main train station on the other side of the Limmat River.

The building is part of a large complex that opens up to a courtyard in the middle. The facade is characterized by stones.

Due to the proportionally large construction, an arch extends over two floors, which is not immediately apparent. The windows are situated within the arches and, as mentioned, are very large and transparent. This transparency invites pedestrians to enter and treat themselves. The transition from outside to inside is clearly marked by two steps and a metallic, non- transparent door.

The interior of the café itself is bright, with light pink and floral decorations. The ceiling is adorned with tubes, creation a clear contrast to the „natural“ flowers.

Natural light from outside illuminates the interior through the large windows, creating a connection to the outside. Shelves have been attached to the wall behind the counter, displaying coffee bean packages, tea containers, and tea bags. Hanging from the ceiling are a few posters promoting the café with its instagram name.

The building is clad in stones, giving it a classic and antique appearance. The glass doors are framed with metal. The café itself is only on the ground floor, as there are other shops above, and offices next door.

Neumühlenquai 10, 8001 Zürich