Almost 20-year-old Durat composite tables at Cafe Carusel, located in Helsinki Merisatama, were refurbished at the beginning of the year. Restaurant owner Ari Sarmanto is pleased that the old, long-serving tables now look like new.
“Over time, some edges of the tables had cracked and the surfaces were scratched, but the Durat team sanded the surfaces and repaired the cracks. Finally, the surfaces were oiled, to deepen the colours and make the tables easier to clean in the future. The work was carried out efficiently: with the maintenance of 30 tables was completed in a couple of days. "The result is excellent,” Ari Sarmanto praises.
Tables before and after maintenance.
“When we were planning the renovation, we briefly considered buying new Durat tables, as there are so many appealing colours available. However, in line with our values, we concluded that it is right to extend the lifespan of existing furniture. Although we knew we could return the old tables to Durat for resale as the Durat Circular products, we wanted to keep using them."
Ari Sarmanto is pleased and even a little proud of the project. Overall, the project serves as a reminder that the benefits of sustainable design often only become apparent years later. Well-chosen materials not only withstand use but can also be restored to almost-new condition. The result is clear evidence of the value of long-term thinking.
“It certainly reinforced what I already thought back when these tables were purchased. We chose a composite material that looks great, but above all, is durable and easy to maintain. Now, after twenty years, we can see that we made a wise choice - the tables were restored to good condition so quickly, " Sarmanto states.
“Looking at them now, I can only say that it was a good choice. An impressive material, easy to maintain, and still recyclable – it was a wise decision ack then, and it still is.”
Operating in lines with values
Cafe Carusel is located by a stunning seaside view. Key values for the restaurateur are responsibility, locally sourced food, and healthiness. These have been the cornerstones of the café's operations from the very beginning. Even refurbishing the tables was not just a technical measure; it was also a choice based on values.
Thanks to Carusel's 110 solar panels and ocean thermal energy, the restaurant is nearly energy self-sufficient. In the summer, fresh herbs and vegetables are grown in the restaurant's own backyard. Throughout the restaurant's history, several other circular economy projects have been implemented there.
