Study: wood is more hygienic than plastic

A study by University Professor Dr. Rupert Wimmer, University for Floor Culture Vienna:

Coming to terms with Wood

On the question of whether wood would also be used in hospitals, Robert Stingl, a dedicated wood researcher at the University of Floor Culture Vienna (Boku), already fairly often got a slightly amused “NO” as an answer. For the hygiene departments in many Austrian hospitals, the use of wood is clearly still a taboo. This wood discrimination has a long tradition: until recently the use of wood in all conceivable areas of meat processing businesses was forbidden. That even went so far as to frown upon wooden windows “for hygienic reasons”. Wood researchers and Foodstuff hygienists from the Boku have since collected new facts and in cooperation with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, have achieved the removal of wood from the lists of forbidden products in the hygiene guidelines. An important partial success!

The healthy intestinal flora of an adult contains between 10 and 100 billion bacteria, distributed across some hundred types. But these harmless intestinal residents can, for example through a viral infection, become genetically altered and rather dangerous. If these bacteria should reach our intestines via vegetables or meat, the consequences can be serious illnesses.

Wood as perfect material for a healthy kitchen

A kitchen is often a playground for bacteria. Preferential breeding places are the kitchen sponge, the tea towel or the sink. Multiple bacteria also crowd on working surfaces. Wood is porous, whereas synthetic material, metal or ceramics are non-porous. Therefore, years ago it was thought that wood would be hard to clean and therefore represented an ideal breeding ground for bacteria after contact with perishable foods, like meat. If a salad is then prepared on a board on which raw meat was just cut, then bacteria can very easily be transferred. This fear of germ transfer led to wood as a material was always replaced by synthetic materials.

Long history of studies on wood as hygienic material

In 1993, a scientific study from the United States drew attention to the fact that wood has very good hygienic qualities in comparison with synthetic material. At first these results were viewed sceptically in the German speaking world. Subsequent German and British studies confirmed the American results. In particular, that pine heartwood showed good antibacterial qualities – far better than synthetic material.

The different studies explain the antibacterial effect of wood through two causes: a chemical one and a physical one. The chemical cause refers to the contents of the wood. Tannine or Polyphenols contribute to the germ killing effects of extract rich woods such as pine or oak. With larch, the antibacterial effect was derived from the component Arabinogalactan.

Open pores as benefit

However, the real surprise lies in the physical cause: the pore structure of the wood, which was and still is considered a disadvantage compared to the synthetic material, is actually an advantage. Due to its porous cell structure, wood has an enormously high inner surface area. With 1g of wood this is actually 200 m². This high porosity causes a strongly hygroscopic effect. This results in humidity being quickly absorbed into the wooden working surface, the conditions of life for bacteria deteriorate and the bacteria die rapidly. This physical effect can be proven in all types of wood.

Besides the humidity, the surface roughness is also of importance on cutting boards. Examinations of both new and second hand cutting boards made of wood produced astonishing results: regardless of whether freshly planed down and therefore smooth cutting boards or boards furrowed by knife cuts, only a minimal bacterial growth was observed in boards made from maple or beech wood. The reason for this is also the active pore structure. In comparison with wood, the synthetic cutting board made from white Polyethylene showed the largest bacterial increase. It was positive to note that after cleaning with a washing up liquid, practically no further bacteria were registered neither on synthetic material nor on the wood.

A further example from the transport industry: wooden pallets used for the transportation of foodstuffs showed a 15% lower bacteria count than synthetic material pallets. If wood is used in the production and preparation of foodstuffs, whether as a working surface, cutlery, crockery or as stock and transport containers, then this is a very hygienic process.

Hygiene getting more and more important

The topic of hygiene and wood shows that sensible application fields for wood must be won over again and again. This is particularly clear with this topic in that sound scientific results are required. The challenge of using wood is in its complexity when compared to other materials. The interplay of physical, chemical and biological qualities is with any material, nowhere as hard to understand as in the case of wood. We have only just begun to understand this material, and can be excited with how wood may still surprise us.

mafi : walk on art

An individual point of view on mafi

Grazia Marcarini, an Italian architect, visited mafi one week ago to learn more about the unique natural wooden floors and the philosophy mafi is standing for. Now she sent us some pictures to show her individual point of view of the mafi spirit. We want to say thank you and share this beautiful artworks with you.

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mafi : walk on art

Conact:

Grazia Marcarini Architetto
Via Villoresi, 42.20834 Nova Milanese (Mb), Italia
Tel.+39.0362.42081
Fax +39.0362.366586
E-mail:graziamarcarini[at]studiomarcarini.it

mafi dresses up architecture giant Gensler

Stylish mafi flooring adorns Gensler’s new downtown LA headquarters, the “Jewel Box”,
in a stunning composition of design, light and space.

LOS ANGELES, California – mafi wood flooring has been selected to
embellish the treasure trove of modern design that is Gensler’s new headquarters in downtown
LA’s “Jewel Box” building. Over 6000 sq. ft. of mafi’s exclusive European engineered wood
flooring has been installed vertically and horizontally on walls, ceilings, doors and the reception
desk, showcasing the unlimited use of the product. The Gensler design team chose mafi’s
“Clear Oak” in a “white oil” finish to transform the inner “jewel box” space into cozy
compartments, including a walk through tunnel, with graceful lines, bold color and natural light.

The finished space will total approximately 45,000 square feet and will be one of the
largest of the firms 35 offices on five continents. With over 250 employees and plans to
expand 40% in the next five years, Gensler’s downtown location will serve as their hub
for the Southwest region. In presenting this showcase of architectural design details, mafi
joins a high ranking list of other European manufactures like Lindner-Group ceiling
systems, Vitra furniture, and Tambient lighting.

“We are honored that Gensler, one of the biggest architectural companies in the world, has
decided to dress up the main entrance and lobby of their new headquarters with Mafi floors,”
says mafi-America CEO, Nic Neumann. “Like Gensler, mafi understands the market for
architectural details that demand presence. The concept of using wood flooring to bring
texture and beauty to walls and ceilings creates limitless possibilities for style and design, but
when you add the elements of being natural and non-toxic, you have an aesthetic philosophy
that not only looks good but feels good. This is the mafi standard.”

The coming together of distinctive design and artful craftsmanship are immediate upon entering
the “jewel box”. Maintaining the 1970’s architectural style, Gensler has created an exclusive
atmosphere with a collection of architectural devices and accessories, all carefully selected to
create subdivided areas with inviting light and space. Architects, developers , contractors and
designers, as well as employees, will be part of an architectural context that expresses
unmistakable luxury. Like Gensler, mafi has been around for decades in cities all around the
world. Known for its superior style and aesthetic philosophy, mafi also shares Gensler’s
commitment to forward thinking design and sustainability.

“mafi’s approach to design is to create interior spaces that are perfectly integrated with color,
texture, natural oil finishes, lighting and even carving options that reflect the personal
characteristics of our clients while reflecting our unique values as a company,” says Nic
Neumann. “ We are part of a global effort to meet the demand for style as well as
sustainability and we are positioning our discerning clients for the future by creating holistic
value and a competitive edge.”

The “Jewel Box” is scheduled to re-open as Gensler headquarters sometime in late
November 2011.

mafi : walk on art

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Facts:
Product: mafi Oak Clear, brushed, white oiled
Area: commercial area
Location: Los Angeles, California

“Sleep-saving” Swiss Stone Pine is THE AUSTRIAN TREE OF 2011

The year 2011 is slowly running out. Time to have a look back on interesting facts and stories during this adventurous year. Proclaimed by the government and the board of trustees for woods the Swiss Stone Pine was awarded “The Austrian Tree 2011”.

The Swiss Stone Pine is one of the most valuable native trees – for two reasons. First of all it is supporting the environmental protection because of its big amount on the Austrian mountains. In time of the climatic change no woods are protecting as good as the Swiss Stone Pine against avalanches and floods. Secondly the wood has special effects on the human body. Scientific studies have proved its positive effect on sleep behavior. “The average saving in the Stone Pine bed was about 3,500 heartbeats per day, which corresponds to about an hour’s heart-work”, says the Institute of Non-Invasive Diagnosis in Austria. The wood is therefore highly recommended for installation in bedrooms and relaxation rooms.

mafi : walk on art

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mafi Trendsetter

Natural Responsibility without Compromise
mafi was the first Company in the Industry to decide for a lacquer-free, completely naturally oiled flooring surface. The Oils used are wholly based on natural raw materials. These natural properties support the wood by preserving and highlighting its natural qualities.

As a pioneer of natural wood processing, mafi works under the principle of sustainability. The careful use of resources is at the heart of the company’s ethics. During processing, the whole tree is used – with all its physical and visual diversity. Following its pioneering vision, mafi has developed its own method of thermal treatment. This eliminates the need to use Tropical timber. Using only water and heat, Vulcano floors are completely stained in a natural way.

Quality through Performance
Along with the natural treatment of the wood, mafi sets the highest standards of quality for wooden floors. Particularly significant is the standard of quality in the symmetrical construction of the 3-Layer flooring: Here the upper and lower layers are constructed of the same material. This procedure ensures an even balance of the flooring and produces high stability.
Quality and Durability are the characteristics of mafi floorings. Due to their extreme load-bearing capacity, they are ideally suited for use in high traffic areas. The Baroque Cathedral of Zacatecas and the Hotel Madlein in Ischgl are perfect examples of the qualitative durability of mafi products.

With approximately 20 different woods, most of which are local types, mafi offers around 250 differing products which are exported to more than 50 countries. This superb portfolio is thanks to more than 80 staff at the Production facility in Austria, where utmost quality is the highest principle for mafi products.

Exceptional Floorings for Exceptional People
mafi products are one off Masterpieces. Far removed from mass production, mafi offers individual natural floorings. Every year, new technologies and designs are developed, from which many have found to be international trend setters.
mafi floorings easily integrate into existing rooms and turn them into unique artefacts. Due to the preservation of the natural quality of the wood, they are very robust and especially easy to maintain. Just like human skin, these natural wood floorings are best treated with a soap and a special protective balm.

Thanks to maximum quality, ecological responsibility and individual solutions mafi sets itself the highest standards and thereby creates success in every aspect.

mafi is the Avant-garde of Floorings. Year on Year, new products are developed in the Austrian wooden flooring industry which receive great approval in the international Architecture scene.

A perfect example of this development is mafi’s Carving. It enables, for the first time, the transfer of any design onto the wood without compromising its positive properties.

Every person is an individual. Carving makes it possible to transfer this individuality onto the flooring thus creating a very personal living space.

With Carving Grunge, Retro, Kids, Club, Empire, Nana and Paisley, mafi offers its customers a wide variety of stunning designs. Carving gives homes, bars or offices a distinctive character and turns them into fashionable locations.

The Customer’s individual interests lay close to mafi’s heart. With the ‘Carving Custom Design’, shops become iconic stores which communicate directly the identity of their brand.

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In all our creations, mafi preserves the naturalness of the wood and through the deliberate use of ecological processing allows it a new expression.

The Riva Mezzo surface combines the naturalness of wood with innovative technology. With its tactile structure, Riva Mezzo takes up the diversity of nature and applies it to social living.

The Riva Mezzo structure resembles the ocean’s sandy soil, which has been modelled over time by the gentle swell of the waves. Just like a reflection of any natural phenomenon, this flooring creates a cosy ambience that invites you to relax and seduce the senses.

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mafi Fresco is the perfect symbiosis of naturalness, quality and design. With the use of new technologies, mafi brings to the fore the striking particularities of the wood and develops these artistically into new designs.

The hand-finished surface exerts a slight massaging effect on the feet and has a beneficial effect on body and mind. Whether installed on the floor or on the wall, mafi Fresco projects its impressive impact and gives the room a distinctive structure.

Each room has its own character right from the beginning. In order to optimally emphasise this character, mafi offers this design with Waves (Fresco Duna), Dots (Punto Fresco), Diamonds (Fresco Rombo), Snake Print (Fresco Anaconda) or Tyre Tread (Fresco Pista).

For its successfully detailed solution, this flooring was awarded an Honourable Mention at the Red Dot Award: Product Design.

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mafi trades on the principles of origin and sustainability. The natural wealth of shapes and patterns existing in nature offers mafi an ideal basis to turn flooring into unique works of art.

The Coral Oak combines all requirements which mafi has for any natural wood floor. Through the treatment with pure natural oils, this wood displays positive impact and gives any room such a special atmosphere. The main characteristic of this design are the artistically integrated cracks, which can be filled in with different colour variations.

The Coral Oak forms the room. Thanks to the long cracks, rooms appear visually larger and give the people the freedom they need to flourish.

The Magic Oak displays therefore an expansion. With great love for the raw material wood, every single plank is hand-planed. The resulting tactile depths give each floor its own character and bring the room to life.

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mafi has long been considered a trendsetter in the field of natural wood floorings. To guarantee this excellent reputation, this family run company brings out new products every year that are often leading the way for global trends.

One of these masterpieces is the Tiger Oak. The fine cracks that run through this elegant wood embody mafi’s unconventional way of thinking and have revolutionised a whole industry.

Every single Tiger Oak board is unique. The vivid surface pattern gives the room a dynamic character and exudes an invigorating energy. At the same time, this design fits unobtrusively into any existing arrangement and harmonises with other room components.

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The tree has been growing for millions of years on our Earth. mafi understands how to interpret the valuable commodity that is wood again and again, and to use it for innovative and ground breaking ideas.

mafi Domino is composed of strong wooden cubes that have been taken from the most stable area of the tree trunk. This makes the floor extremely robust and resistant to any pressures to which it is exposed in the course of its long life.

Domino’s cubed look delivers each time a different effect whether on the floor or on the wall. The result of the various warm nuances of the natural colour of the wood cubes is a comforting and yet luxurious ambience.

Through a deep understanding for Nature and our sensitive treatment of the wood, we give our floorings the consistency of works of art.

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mafi : walk on art

mafi flagshipstore
A 5020 Salzburg Imbergstraße 9
t: +43 (0)662 878 878
f: +43 (0)662 878 878 20
export[at]mafi.at

mafi wins the Energy Globe Award 2011

The family run company within the natural wood floor industry has won the prestigious Energy Globe Award, as part of the award-giving ceremony in the Linz Chamber of Commerce, for its unique use of the resource timber.

The mafi Natural Wood Flooring Ltd has always stood for ecological and sustainable work using the renewable resource which is wood. Here values such as naturalness, environmental efficiency and also resource efficiency are central to the daily operation. This philosophy permeates the entire organisation – from material procurement to the production, the products themselves, on the packaging, the delivery, research, and the installation as well as the cleaning thereof. This living spirit of responsibility towards nature leads, ultimately, to an increasing of awareness around the natural use of wood.

As part of the Energy Globe Award, mafi put its previous work along with its philosophy to the test – and was successful. “We are very proud of winning the Energy Globe Award. But we are especially pleased to be able to show that a successful economy does not need to be a contradiction to the conservative use of resources – but quite the opposite. Our mafi natural wood floors are just so popular because each floor is absolutely unique, just like the tree from which it was made.” says Friedrich Fillafer, the managing director of mafi Natural Wood Flooring Ltd, who is convinced of that.

mafi as a Trendsetter in the natural wood flooring industry

From its home in Schneegattern, Upper Austria, mafi exports its both natural and innovative wood flooring to over 50 countries around the world. Even celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer, Giorgio Armani and star architect Norman Foster trust mafi natural wood floorings, not least because each mafi flooring is totally unique. Every year, new technologies and designs are developed, many of which are already proven as pioneers of international trends.

Additionally, nothing is wasted thanks to the approach that the entire tree is used during the manufacturing process. Therefore, each floor is as unique as its source tree. “Nature is our best designer,” says Friedrich Fillafer.

This philosophy can be clearly seen in the product range. In order to also use the products resulting from the processing of shorter, narrower or wider wood lots, own product lines for these have been established. Extra-wide slats are specially offered as a broad range of boards with impressive lengths of up to 5m. The mafi Carving Edition not only sets new trends in design but also visually broadens narrower slats through the special engraving. The designs span multiple slats and thus create a larger surface appearance using fewer resources. Short boards like the mafi Piccolino or Vulcanino are particularly well suited for unusual types of installation. The incidental sawdust is used to heat the entire company. Apart from electricity, the company mafi is thus fully self-sufficient. Additionally, 2,000 tons of wood pellets are produced annually from the sawdust.

An equally groundbreaking and ecological trend is provided by the oiled surface of the mafi natural wood floorings. This family run company was the first in the industry, which declined to use any form of paint or chemical additives in the production of wood floorings. mafi’s special oils penetrate deeply into the top layer of the wood flooring, cure and thus make the wood resistant from the inside out, without forming a film layer. This keeps the wood alive, allows it to breathe and thus it retains all its beneficial properties. Both the oils and also the soaps used for cleaning are made entirely from natural materials.

The mafi Vulcano flooring offers a real and most importantly, sustainable alternative to tropical wood floors. This allows mafi to abstain from the use of tropical timber and rely on domestic wood species. Through a complex thermal treatment, the wood obtains a dark colour with warm brown tones. During this thermal treatment, no chemical additives are used. With this method, only heat, wind and water are used and this reduces swelling, shrinkage and internal stresses. The drying of mafi Vulcano products has since been perfected and thanks to this technical innovation has become one of the biggest energy savers in the entire production process.

The 3-D surfaces of the mafi Fresco Edition are especially enjoyable barefoot. The raised upper layer performs a slight but nonetheless unforgettable massage effect. 2009 brought with it an honourable mention in the Red Dot Design award for the mafi Fresco Duna white oiled.

“We do not negate the natural appearance of the wood, we celebrate it. Hand planed wells or the individual colours of the cracks are only the tip of the tradecraft iceberg. Our Carving designs, 3D surfaces or Vulcano floorings complete the picture,” says Friedrich Fillafer. “Last but not least is ‘made in Austria’ by mafi no empty wordplay. Production takes place exclusively in Upper Austria and Salzburg and plays an important role for many regional suppliers,” says Friedrich Fillafer.  The next step to be made by mafi in a sustainable future is the vision of its own power plant for in-house electricity generation.

mafi: walk on art

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mafi catwalk – the model is the floor itself

The time of Salzburg Festival always creates a cosmopolitan and glamorous aura around Salzburg. mafi takes  account to this situation and presents one of the newest innovations in natural wood flooring:
THE MAFI CATWALK.

Located in the Imbergstraße 9, the mafi flagshipstore exhibits this eye-catcher in its shop window. The design is inspired by the mafi Tiger oak – another innovation introduced by mafi – but the cracks are lighted with a specific LED module. With an included remote control the colours can range from deep red to dark blue or run through different automatic programs as well. These individual possibilities attract outstanding interest for commercial areas like bars, nightclubs or hotels.

This unique floor combines all the attributes mafi stands for. The wood is treated completely natural, only with mafi oil, which gives the floor its great resistance but also keeps the wood breathable and therefore allows the floor to regulate the moisture inside the rooms. On the other hand mafi catwalk proofs the innovative character of the mafi products by unifying technique and design.

The mafi Flagshipstore is located in the heart of Salzburg directly on the river Salzach with a beautiful view on the old centre of the city with the fortress in the background. You can park directly in front of the Store on a private lot. We are ready to welcome you Mon-Fri (10 am – 1 pm and 2pm – 6 pm) Of course you can also make appointments off time the business hours. Please contact us to fix a date.

mafi: walk on art

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mafi flagshipstore
A 5020 Salzburg, Imbergstraße 9
e: salzburg[at]mafi[dot]at
www.mafi.at
t: +43 (0)662 878878
f: +43 (0)662 878878-20
Opening Hours:
Mo-Fr 10:00-13:00 14:00-18:00 or anytime with an appointment
Find it with google.maps

mafi in local newspaper

mafi founder and CEO Fritz Fillafer was talking with an Austrian journalist of the Salzburger Nachrichten about recent innovations, upcoming projects and the possibility of creating unique mafi natural wooden tables…

Naturböden für Anspruchsvolle

mafi-Naturholzparkett aus Schneegattern – Ab 2013 wird die Firma energieautark.

STEFAN VEIGL LENGAU (SN). Claudia Schiffer hat einen. Auch in der Kathedrale in Guadalajara (Mexiko) liegt einer. Naturbelassene Holzböden der Firma mafi aus dem Lengauer Ortsteil Schneegattern sind weltweit begehrt. „Unsere Exportquote liegt bei 80 Prozent“, sagt Inhaber Fritz Fillafer.

„Mein Vater hat mit dem Betrieb nach dem Krieg als Landwirtschaft mit Mühle und Sägewerk begonnen“, erzählt der 66-jährige Chef, „Anfang der 80er-Jahre war das Sägewerk konkursreif, heute haben wir 100 Mitarbeiter.“ Gerettet haben ihn seine Innovationen: „Erste Entwicklung waren gebürstete, gebrannte und strukturierte Holzdecken.“ Die bei Kassettendecken eingesetzten Dreischichtplatten hat Fillafer als erster für Böden verwendet – und ist dabei geblieben.

Markenzeichen von mafi-Holzböden ist, dass sie ohne Lack auskommen. „Das Holz wird nur mit Naturöl oder Seife behandelt“, sagt Fillafer – der mit dieser Idee vor 15 Jahren noch belächelt wurde. Auch im Design ist mafi führend: „Im Prinzip können wir jedes Muster nach Wunsch in den Boden hineinlasern oder -fräsen.“ Für einen antiken Effekt sorgt Wärmebehandlung bei 200 Grad.

Seit 2008 ist mafi auch in Salzburg tätig: Da wurde die Lamellenproduktion von MM in Steindorf gekauft. Dort plant Fillafer eine Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungs-Anlage um zwei Millionen Euro. „Baubeginn ist 2012. Vielleicht schon 2013 wollen wir so eigenen Strom aus Abfallholz erzeugen und energieautark werden“, sagt er.

Auch wirtschaftlich geht es stark bergauf: Der Umsatz soll heuer um zehn Prozent auf 22 Millionen Euro wachsen. „Das entspricht einer Produktionsmenge von 2000 m Boden am Tag“, erläuert Fillafer. Investiert wurde heuer um 1,5 Millionen Euro in einen Sägespänesilo, CNC-Maschinen und eine Parket-Profilieranlage.

Und Fillafer kündigt die nächste Neuerung an: „Ich will in die Produktion von Tischen einsteigen. Weil das ein Holzprodukt ist, das die Leute auch zum Angreifen verführt.“

mafi : walk on art

mafi in Salzburg Festival Magazin

A culinary breeze from the Mediterranean Sea

The time of the Salzburg Festival is not only the time of advanced culture. It is also time for advanced pleasure and sophisticated cuisine. The Ristorante Pizzeria da Giacomo is one of the best Italian restaurants in Salzburg. The secret of Giacomo Russo and his team are their Sicilian origins and the specific feeling for details. Therefore Giacomo can count a lot of celebrities to his customers, like Cameron Diaz during her shooting to the movie Knight and Day in Salzburg.

Apart from the fine quality of the dishes, the atmosphere inside a restaurant contributes a perfect culinary experience. In combination with the interior this mafi Coral Oak Vulcano white creates a warm and pleasant mood which invites the customers to stay. The fine white cracks in this natural wooden floor are sensitive highlights in the play of colours inside this interior concept. mafi provides individual and natural floor solutions for your personal project. Like in Giacomos restaurant where even his name is engraved into his personal work of art – da Giacomo and mafi – Buon appetito!

mafi : walk on art

Facts:
Product: mafi Coral Oak Vulcano white, brushed, natural oiled
Area: commercial area, restaurant
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Cleaning: mafi Vulcano floors

Partner:

mafi flagshipstore
A 5020 Salzburg, Imbergstraße 9
e: salzburg[at]mafi[dot]at
www.mafi.at
t: +43 (0)662 878878
f: +43 (0)662 878878-20
Opening Hours:
Mo-Fr 10:00-13:00 14:00-18:00 or anytime with an appointment
Find it with google.maps