Waterwheel Café

The Waterwheel Café represents an innovative commercial application of log construction, creating a unique dining destination that celebrates both culinary excellence and architectural heritage. Built alongside a restored historic watermill, this café demonstrates how log buildings can enhance hospitality experiences.

The café building features a carefully designed log structure that complements the adjacent historic mill without competing for attention. The logs are sourced from sustainable forests and meet commercial hygiene standards. Large windows throughout provide diners with views of the working waterwheel and surrounding countryside.

Inside, the dining areas are arranged across multiple levels, creating intimate spaces while maintaining an open, airy feel. The exposed log walls provide excellent acoustic properties, allowing comfortable conversation even when fully occupied. The main dining room features a dramatic vaulted ceiling with exposed log trusses, while smaller private dining areas offer more intimate settings.

The commercial kitchen is seamlessly integrated into the log structure, with washable wall treatments that meet health regulations while maintaining the building's character. The café includes a bakery section where customers can watch bread being made using flour ground in the adjacent mill. External features include a riverside terrace for outdoor dining, herb gardens supplying the kitchen, and a children's play area constructed from matching logs. The Waterwheel Café proves that log construction can meet demanding commercial requirements while creating memorable spaces.