The winning entry in a student competition held by the University of Technology, the Finnish Timber Council and the city of Helsinki, this wood-and-glass pavilion consists of a solid timber enclosure that frames a view of the city and a nearby park. The floor, walls and roof, and the benches on the terrace consist of laminated timber elements assembled on site. The name of the café, “Hiili” (coal), makes reference to the black timber facades, which are flame-treated and impregnated with creosote. Executed twice a year, this process ensures adequate resistance to rain. Internally, the timber is simply wrot and left in its natural state. The set-back glass facades allow the creation of covered outdoor verandas.