FinnArc 2 (ENG) by A-Press Digital / PhotoCom Oy

The Yearbook of Finnish Architecture 2024

FINNARC 2

Finnish Architecture

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Editor: Inkeri Ala-Peijari

Design: Mikko Ala-Peijari

Foreword

The FinnArc 2 book is the second installment in our series on contemporary Finnish architecture. The first FinnArc book was published in October 2021 and was available in digital format on Business Finland's Dubai Expo website until May 2022. The work received a lot of positive feedback for its excellent execution. Now, the FinnArc 2 book is available for six months on Finnair's in-flight wifi network, offering readers around the world the opportunity to explore Finnish architecture. As in the previous book, this work presents completed projects by various Finnish architectural firms, told through their own stories. The book also includes an overview of the future of wood architecture, examining the significance of wood in construction and architectural design, particularly from the perspective of its natural climate and environmental impacts. The environmentally friendly wood material can also be economically significant and ecologically sustainable when sourced locally. Several influencers share their views on these topics in the book.

The book's creators were surprised by how the recent challenges faced by our country, particularly the deep crisis in the construction sector, impacted architectural commissions. Many architectural firms have merged into larger units, and some smaller firms have ceased operations. Despite this, the belief in the success and growth of Finnish architecture remains strong, and its future looks even more exciting. The construction sector's recovery may be just a year away, at which point new creative challenges and ideas will once again flourish, and we can expect even more interesting and impressive works from Finnish architects.

The FinnArc book series will be published annually, covering current topics and continuing to showcase the stories and projects of Finnish architectural firms and their latest works.

Hotel Maria, Avarc Architects, © Mikko Ala-Peijari

Wood Is the Material of the Future

Steel Concrete Construction a Disservice to Climate Goals

Finland Has Great Global Opportunities in Forest Bioeconomy Development

Wood Becomes Mainstream in Construction - Investor Interest Awakened

Promoting Low-Carbon Wood Construction in the Government Program

Wood Is the Material of the Future

– Creating a Story and Brand for Wood Products

The forest produces the material of the future, says Harald Kluh, an Austrian expert in business branding and trends. "As ecological values and the importance of knowledge increase among people, it is essential to offer consumers renewable products that enhance well-being. New wood products must be endowed with value-adding stories and brands.

"We need to explain to our children the connection between, for example, home construction and the materials used in furniture, and climate change. Homes that emphasize sustainability and durability for this century are made from renewable, carbon-absorbing wood, which can also be reused. This represents a significant future opportunity for the forestry industry, which must be seized.

"The future city is an extension of the forest. I have seen architectural visions of urban development where living trees are incorporated into the construction and cityscape. The use of wood offers new, splendid opportunities for architecture. Architecture and landscape can be one. The wood construction allows us to live better in connection with nature."

According to Kluh, wood is suitable not only for residential construction but also for public buildings such as schools and kindergartens. "Wood offers not only good indoor air quality and ambiance but also beautiful architecture and design. With a significant portion of carbon emissions coming from concrete construction, I have high expectations for wood architecture and its new solutions in wood construction.

"Wood construction reduces the use of non-renewable natural resources, decreases carbon emissions, and replaces concrete. It brings aesthetic, durability, and well-being values to urban structures."

Wood Resonates With Consumers on an Emotional Level

"In construction, the brand associated with wood encompasses many positive attributes such as its renewability, aesthetics, and recyclability. Recent research shows that wooden buildings offer many forest-like health benefits. These form the brand of wood, which resonates with consumers on an emotional level.

"When people understand that they feel comfortable and healthy in wooden buildings, whether it's a home or a concert hall, this well-being should be branded and more buildings should be constructed from wood. The core is people's personal experience and the variety of things that can be made from the material. Packaging and paper are used abundantly without thinking about their origins."

As ecological values and the importance of information grow, according to Kluh, consumers must be offered renewable, well-being-enhancing products. "A new type of sustainability thinking is needed, along with an increased understanding of the many opportunities provided by using wood in various products."

Finnlog Hetena, AOR Architects.

© Mikko Ala-Peijari

Art Museum Chappe, JKMM Architects.

Chappe's black, spruce-clad facades play with the tradition of Finnish wood architecture. The facade details highlight craftsmanship and its role in contemporary architecture.

The Wood Industry Needs Collaboration With Brand Owners

Kluh reminds us that wood offers good stories not only for housing but also for packaging, textiles, and cosmetics. "It's about brands. Everyone knows the big global oil companies that sell fuels, but few know about wood companies. Therefore, traditional forest companies need to find consumer markets through collaboration with brand owners.

"When we talk about wood-based textiles or cosmetics, deals must be made with brand owners. These could be fashion houses in Paris, which might not know about wood or forests, but can create value-adding stories and brands for wood. Fashion is created and sold through images and brands.

"Product brand owners create emotionally appealing stories for materials and products that connect with consumers. The forestry sector as a whole must be seen from new perspectives and linked in product development through corporate collaboration."

Kluh notes that many companies are working on developing wood-based textile fibers, helping us move away from plastic-based textiles.

"The same applies to the automotive industry, where we can replace steel with wood-based carbon fiber. The furniture industry offers the opportunity to live and work in a stylish and modern environment. Wood is the material of the century and is poised for a major boom.

"I encourage politicians and businesses to invest resources in research, development, and innovation work. We need cross-disciplinary collaboration, especially with young designers."

Harald Kluh, harald.klueh@grass.eu

Steel Concrete Construction a Disservice to Climate Goals

Professor Seppo Junnila from Aalto University believes that the potential of wood construction to achieve climate goals has not been fully utilized.

“A significant increase in wood construction and its climate benefits should be included in the new government program. Wood construction should be brought under the umbrella of green financing because it replaces reinforced concrete construction, reduces construction emissions, and long-lasting wood products store carbon throughout their lifecycle.

When cities have aimed to densify urban structures through traditional construction, it has, according to Junnila, done a disservice to climate goals. Research shows that wood construction can reduce the climate burden of new construction and significantly increase the carbon storage of urban environments.

“While low-density urban structures have been considered detrimental to climate goals, they are actually lower in emissions than reinforced concrete apartment buildings. Our research indicates that wood construction can compensate for a significant portion of the lifecycle emissions caused by reinforced concrete construction. In climate policy, reducing emissions from the concrete and steel industries is essential if we are to meet global climate targets.

For example, the wooden structures of an average Finnish wooden single-family house store about 30 tons of carbon dioxide. This corresponds to over 10 years of carbon dioxide emissions from an average car. The share of wood construction in apartment

building construction in Finland is three percent.

“In addition to Central European countries, wood construction is also growing strongly in urban environments in Sweden. In Finland, the construction industry wants to avoid risks, preferring streamlined basic production in reinforced concrete construction, which they do not want to change. The caution of large construction companies is also explained by a lack of expertise, resistance to change, and the perception that pilot projects have shown wood construction to be expensive.

Junnila points out that many countries strong in wood construction have succeeded in producing competitive wood construction products and solutions. “The wood product industry also needs to look in the mirror and ask why the enthusiasm for developing wood construction, which began in the 1990s, has faded. As the market started to develop, interest in improving industrial wood construction systems and production chains waned. It seems that exporting ready-made sawn timber has been more attractive than developing a wood construction expertise product domestically.

“A significant increase in wood construction and its climate benefits should be included in the new government program. Increasing wood construction can also ensure the preservation of forest carbon sinks. We can have conservation forests as carbon stores and managed forests that act as carbon sinks and storage when used for long-lasting wood products such as wood construction.

Linnanfältti, Arco Architecture Company, © Wellu Hämäläinen

A New Urban Construction Concept

Junnila reminds us that the challenge for the wood product industry is to find skilled professionals and eliminate bottlenecks in apartment building production by developing technological reliability and readiness for industrial construction needs.

“When the Ministry of the Environment aims to increase the share of wood construction to 45 percent, it requires the development of a new dense and low-rise urban construction concept alongside wood apartment building production, which we have the expertise and functioning production chains for. If such a two-story dense townhouse area interests private owners and residents, it will also attract area developers and investors.

“Although the goal of increasing wood con-

struction has been pursued for years, in 2019, the market share of wooden apartment buildings was only three percent. Wood apartment building construction can also be economically profitable for construction companies, as in the past 20 years, wooden apartment units sold in Helsinki have achieved an average price premium of 8.85 percent compared to those made of other materials.

With ecological values growing, consumer markets are playing an increasingly significant role in the growth of wood construction, according to Junnila.

“People need to want wooden housing and companies need to see it as a business opportunity. On the other hand, the market is confused because, at the same time, the government has sent a message about wanting to increase wood construction while also demanding a reduction in forest use.

Tikkurila Church, OOPEAA, © Mikko Ala-Peijari

Regarding the use of forests, wood availability is not a problem when we direct a larger portion of wood used to domestic wood construction.

“We are researching the concept of a low and dense city that can produce dense urban structures while supporting the competitiveness of wood construction technologies with the current industrial structure.

Green Financing to Accelerate Wood Construction

Junnila believes that wood construction should be seen as a high-quality and desirable product in the housing market. “In Central Europe, there is amazement as to why high-quality wood construction should be cheaper than traditional bulk reinforced concrete construction. Real estate developers should take this into account, as we are already seeing payment readiness here.

“Now that the housing market is in transition, real estate investors should seize the green money-seeking investments. When basic construction financing fears green risk, cheaper green money on the market offers profitable opportunities for real estate investment. I believe that professional real estate investors will start looking for green money targets, as the cost of the loan determines the return on investments.

Finland must have the courage to unequivocally place wood construction within the criteria for green financing. “When investors seek targets defined by environmental certifications and the EU taxonomy, wood construction must be placed in the highest category. Life cycle calculations unequivocally show that wood construction easily meets the criteria for carbon handprint calculation.

“We should aim for a larger share of the EU's 500 billion euro green money pot than our population would suggest because we have a sustainable forest industry and technological expertise to leverage. If Sweden has already reached a 15 percent market share in wooden apartment building construction through market-driven means, we should be able to do better with this green money instrument. The key is to create a market change through green investment.

According to Junnila, we should start talking about knowledge export instead of goods export.

Kumpula High School, AFKS Architects,

Hannu Rytky

Pakila Halkosuontie Wooden School, Architects Rudanko+Kankkunen, AFKS Architects. The school is constructed with a CLT frame. © Mikko Ala-Peijari

“We can build new wooden neighborhoods in Finland with good locations, attracting green money without having to transport goods worldwide. Trade policy should shift towards a balance of payments policy where, thanks to wood construction, we could be the Luxembourg of green money.

Carbon Offset Model for Construction

Junnila reminds us that green building certifications should be developed to better recognize the climate benefits of wood construction.

“Increasing the use of wood can reduce the carbon footprint by lowering emissions during construction and increasing carbon storage in large-scale industrial construction. Achieving carbon neutrality also requires significant reductions in emissions from other building materials.

“Wood-dominated construction achieves about a 25 percent smaller carbon footprint, which can be increased to 50 percent or more, surpassing the critical point where the carbon handprint exceeds the carbon footprint. The best results are achieved when wood reduces material emissions during construction and renewable energy is used during the operational phase.

When municipalities and cities genuinely want to move towards lower-emission construction, planning practices must also be reformed.

“Although planners have power over land use planning, they feel they can insufficiently influence the actual construction. In construction, the real power lies with building permit authorities, builders, and developers, i.e., investors.

Planners could be given a new tool, a carbon offset model, to guide construction. The idea is to define the theoretical carbon storage of an area in forest use during the zoning of a new construction area. When the area begins to be developed, the construction should create a carbon storage of the same size through technological means to compensate for the area.

Seppo Junnila, Professor, Aalto University seppo.junnila@aalto.fi

Finland Has Great Global Opportunities in Developing a Forest Bioeconomy

The development of the bioeconomy has entered a new phase globally, says Jukka Kantola, founder and CEO of the World BioEconomy Forum. "New biorefinery projects are being established, and companies are utilizing biomass in innovative applications."

"Finland is at the forefront of developing new products globally, but the prerequisites must be ensured. Now, we need to focus on the commercialization of these products and getting them to market."

According to Kantola, Finland is a pioneer in implementing bioeconomy strategies. "For example, in the development of wood-based textiles, Finland is ahead of other European countries and the United States. There is also great potential in the applications related to lignin and the development of biobased battery materials."

Bioeconomy Partnerships With the United States

With extensive experience in the development of the bioeconomy, Kantola organized an event in Washington to seek international partnerships for the industry. "Finland and several states in the United States share a lot of common ground in the field of bioeconomy, with bilateral agreements in place with several states."

"For instance, there is significant interest in forest bioeconomy, such as wood construction, in the states of Maine and Michigan. While the

use of biomass from fields, seas, and forests in the United States already amounts to 400 million tons, they are seeking solutions to utilize their biomass even better and more increasingly."

Kantola believes that cooperation can expand the market. "For example, the standardization related to new products can be coordinated to promote market development globally."

Bioeconomy Products Mitigate Climate Change

In the traditional vision of the bioeconomy, biological resources are used to develop various products and commodities. "The biotechnical perspective, which emphasizes the use of biotechnology with various organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, is now growing. This development is particularly strong in the United States. The bioecological vision, focusing on ecosystem services like land use optimization, forest carbon sequestration, and biodiversity enhancement, is especially central in EU regulation," Kantola explains.

According to Kantola, bioeconomy solutions also serve to mitigate climate change and strengthen biodiversity. "Unless the full potential of the bioeconomy is more strongly utilized in national and EU policies, its opportunities will be missed. Although the bioeconomy’s potential to produce sustainable products is known, ensuring that the industry can develop and manufacture them for the market is not guaranteed."

"For example, the amount of forest biomass in Europe is now 50% higher than in 1990. This provides tools to combat climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, but in addition, products made from wood replace fossil-based products and thus mitigate climate change."

The Eu Must Create Functional Carbon Markets

According to Kantola, the world is now focusing on regulatory actions aimed at mitigating climate change, spending 900 billion euros annually on these efforts. "In contrast, the value of voluntary carbon markets is 2 billion euros, which also holds potential for the bioeconomy."

"Carbon markets can direct land and forest use to ensure they remain sinks in the future and influence the amount of raw materials that can be used to replace fossil-based products."

Kantola proposed at the climate conference in Egypt that carbon markets could also be developed toward biobased products. "This would increase the demand for bioproducts and their production by removing fossil-based products from the market."

The Eu Must Strengthen Its Role in Developing the Bioeconomy

According to Kantola, the problem with the EU Commission in implementing the bioeconomy is that it is spread across too many directorates. "No one takes responsibility for it, as each directorate works on its own."

"The new EU Commission should integrate the bioeconomy into industrial policy and create the conditions for development work and solutions. This requires clearly assigning responsibility and resources to a specific EU directorate. Strengthening the bioeconomy’s position in EU policy should be a key goal for the Finnish government in its EU influence."

The development of the bioeconomy must consider the entire value chain from raw materials

to end products. "Although we are undergoing a structural change in the forest industry, it is essential to remember that traditional products are still needed. It is important to remember that traditional products are bioproducts and are based on sustainable and renewable raw materials."

"Finland must ensure that the availability of raw materials through sustainable use is secured in its operations. We can export knowledge and expertise to the world, as was the case during President Sauli Niinistö's visit to the United States. Although the message about forest thinning was published with a translation error, they started to seriously thin out bushy forests and were able to mitigate forest fires," Kantola reminds.

Jukka Kantola, jukka.kantola@wbef.com

OOPEAA, Periscope Tower 2016, scale model by OOPEAA

The Periscope Tower by OOPEAA is a giant wooden periscope structure that engages the viewer in a dialogue with the landscape. One can either climb up the stairs to enjoy the view over the lake from the viewing deck, or simply stay on the ground and get the view through a large periscope mirror.

Wood is Becoming Mainstream in Construction –Investors' Interest Awakened

In recent years, climate and material sustainability themes have become the basis for marketing efforts, says Laura Mattila, Sales Director for Kerto® LVL in Central Europe and the United States at Metsä Group. “Along with these themes, wood products and timber construction have gained a new significance, and as a result, interest in wood products has grown tremendously. We no longer need to justify the undeniable climate benefits of timber construction; customers already understand them.”

“In addition to producing fewer emissions compared to traditional construction, discussions now also focus on the material efficiency of timber construction and the origins of the wood used in construction. Especially in Central European markets, awareness of material efficiency has increased.”

According to Mattila, who is responsible for the sales of Kerto® LVL, ordinary consumers in the United States do not yet consider climate and sustainability issues in construction, but large publicly listed clients demand information about the origin of the wood material. “It’s interesting to see how industry trade fairs used to be attended solely by forestry, wood industry, and construction professionals, and now increasingly by investors and representatives from the financial sector.”

“We can demonstrate that the wood used to manufacture our clients’ wood elements comes from sustainably managed forests, and we use every part of the tree as efficiently as possible. Although wood products are manufactured in Finland, the final product is often made close to the market, where local conditions are best known, and we produce

suitable products and solutions for those markets.”

According to Mattila, it is essential to discuss sustainable forest use and vitality during customer meetings, as the well-being of forests is the foundation of all production. “For customers, it is interesting to utilize the origin of wood in their own communications and marketing, as family ownership of forests is a valuable attribute in the eyes of consumers. Additionally, wood architecture plays a significant role in increasing interest in timber construction.”

Timber Construction at a Breakthrough Stage

“We are at a breakthrough stage in timber construction. For example, in the Benelux countries, sustainable development is becoming a driving force in construction as awareness of construction materials, energy efficiency, building lifecycle, and the low carbon footprint of wood has increased,” says Mattila. According to Mattila, many construction and real estate companies have realized that timber construction – or hybrid construction partially using wood products – can create a pioneering position by building more efficiently and better. “Timber construction can also create a brand for consumers and residential investors who consider their investments in the long term. When customers want environmentally friendly buildings and apartments, developers and builders recognize its value, want to be pioneers of new innovative construction, and create new business for themselves.”

Keilaniemen

Portti, Arco Architecture Company.

The building will be a unique showcase of timber construction. With a ridge height of nearly 60 meters, it will become one of the tallest timber office buildings in Europe and the tallest timber building in Finland.

“It is good that regulations guide low-carbon construction. When carbon footprint calculations move in a unified direction, a real comparison between different materials and their sustainability will genuinely emerge. Fact-based comparison is essential to genuinely use low-carbon strategies in marketing timber construction. Its significance will grow with the climate change discussion,” Mattila believes.

Combining Traditional Construction with Wood Usage

Mattila acknowledges that companies involved in traditional concrete-steel construction are not quick to abandon it and switch to wood. “We have started discussions on how traditional construction and the use of wood raw materials can be combined. When we bring wood into existing operations and find ways to integrate wood usage into modern construction, the change will begin from within the construction industry. Renewable, carbon-storing wood is already seen as having great potential, increasing its usage.”

“Timber construction will become mainstream within the next five years. The drivers of growth are the sustainability discussion, the promotion of low-carbon construction, and improvements in efficiency and cost competitiveness. Lifecycle thinking in construction will strengthen, and wood offers a solution not only for carbon storage but also for its reuse and recycling at the end of its lifecycle.”

According to Mattila, the goal is to develop the use of timber construction components into standardized products by increasing market awareness and capacity. “We aim for efficient solutions using a small amount of wood and maximizing material efficiency.”

Laura Mattila, laura.mattila@metsagroup.com

Promoting Low-Carbon Timber Construction in the Government Program

The environmental benefits of wood construction have not been fully utilized in Finland, says Markku Karjalainen, Professor of Construction at Tampere University. "When wood remains in buildings for their entire lifecycle as a carbon store, increasing the use of wood in construction is an excellent tool for climate policy. The government program should include the promotion of low-carbon construction as part of climate actions."

According to Karjalainen, who is also a member of the Bioeconomy Science Panel, both the wood product industry and the government need to raise their capabilities to export wood construction products and systems to meet the reconstruction needs of Ukraine, similar to the Baltic countries.

Using Wood in Construction Increases Forest Refinement Value

Karjalainen points out that low-carbon wood construction is favored in urban planning in Central Europe. "Construction companies are given the incentive of increased building rights when they build with wood. In Finland, we haven't sufficiently mastered or wanted to use methods to promote low-carbon and environmentally friendly construction."

"Also, Finland's forest debate confuses decision-makers and construction industry players when forests and the use of wood are seen as a problem rather than understanding that they are part of the solution to combat climate change. It's also justified to increase the use of wood in construction from the perspective of forest management, as it can increase the value of forest refinement without increasing logging," says Karjalainen.

If all 35,000 new homes built annually in Finland were made of wood, it would require about one

million cubic meters of wood. "This corresponds to one day's growth in Finnish forests. When forests grow by approximately 103 million cubic meters annually, with a hundred growth days, wood won't run out through construction in Finland."

"Currently, the use of wood in apartment buildings is six percent, but a realistic goal for future wooden apartment building construction is 20 percent."

Wood Product Industry Must Continue Developing Systems and Skills

Karjalainen states that the wood product industry also needs to self-reflect. "The wood sector has missed the opportunity for a breakthrough in wood construction. Concrete construction has a 65-year head start, and builders know the process by heart. The standardization of the wood construction system aimed for the same, but development work was left incomplete. It's not too late to continue it, but it must be done."

"There is also a shortage of skilled workers throughout the wood construction value chain, from planning and tendering to cost management and the smooth process of the wood construction system. The skills for industrial-scale wood construction are still generally too thin."

Concrete element construction has been refined to extreme cost efficiency, which wood cannot currently match, according to Karjalainen. "Additionally, the steel-concrete-dominated construction industry uses distorted forest debates to criticize the goals and measures for increasing wood construction."

"In Finland, when wood construction is criticized for being expensive, in Central Europe, the question is rightfully asked, shouldn't a wooden building be more valuable than traditional steel-concrete bulk construction? The environmental values of

Helsinki Central Library Oodi, ALA Architects.

© Mikko Ala-Peijari

The Renovation of Helsinki Olympic Stadium, K2S Architects ja Arkkitehdit NRT.

© Wellu Hämäläinen

wood construction are so significant that a value should also be calculated for it," notes Karjalainen.

The competitiveness of wood construction also requires reviewing and harmonizing construction regulations with key countries for wood construction, particularly the Baltic countries, as well as Switzerland and Austria.

"For example, fire regulations should be further reviewed concerning insulation materials, and ecological and wood-based insulations should be allowed in sprinklered buildings. Wood construction still requires double precautions compared to concrete construction, even though sprinklers should be mandatory for all construction. The other materials used in fire and sound insulation are the biggest detriment to the carbon footprint of wood-framed buildings."

Mandatory Carbon Footprint Calculation for Building Permits

The amendment to the Construction Act, effective from the beginning of 2025, will make carbon footprint calculation for buildings mandatory at the building permit stage. "This legislative change will inevitably impact the use of wood in construction, the operations of construction and wood product companies, and the construction market."

"As a result, the use of domestic, renewable, and environmentally friendly building materials, such as wood, will increase. The wood product industry must prepare for this, strengthen skills, and bring competitive products and systems to the market."

According to Karjalainen, 65 percent of Finnish municipalities have set increasing wood construction as a goal and a tool for climate policy. "This provides a great opportunity for significant growth in wood construction, but it could also be hindered by a shortage of skilled workers. We already have several municipalities where the use of wood must always be considered as an option for public construction."

"In public construction, architecturally fine wooden schools and kindergartens have been implemented, but the breakthrough will occur in industrial apartment building construction. Municipal rental housing companies could play a significant role in this if they started producing low-cost wooden apartment buildings with 2-3 stories in tight urban developments following the townhouse concept."

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Entrance Building, ALA Architects. © Mikko Ala-Peijari

Wood Architecture Modernizes Construction

In the 2010s, 500 wooden daycares and over 200 wooden schools were built in Finland, which, according to Karjalainen, is still a growing market in public construction alongside renovation.

"Although high wooden apartment buildings have been built worldwide, their significance is more in advancing construction technology. The competitiveness of wood is best in apartment buildings that are 2-6 stories high."

"As the average size of apartment units in Finland has decreased by almost a third in two decades, there is a need for new types of offerings. From an architectural perspective, wood is a versatile and rich material that allows for aesthetically beautiful and functional residential areas," says Karjalainen.

As an architecture teacher, Karjalainen has observed that young people approach wood construction quite differently than engineers working in traditional construction. "They see the ecological value of wood construction and the diverse architectural possibilities of using wood in construction. Wood architecture, the concept of wood construction, and the skills could also be export products in the future."

"For example, if you consider the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, it's a steel-concrete-framed building, but it showcases excellent use of wood in its facade and interior. The award-winning renovation of the Olympic Stadium and the new terminal at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport are also great landmarks for the use of wood in construction."

According to Karjalainen, the upcoming reconstruction of Ukraine offers significant opportunities for the export of wood construction. "The wood product industry needs to develop exportable wood construction systems and solutions, for which there will be a massive demand after the war. The distance to Ukraine is not an issue for material transportation."

"The wood product companies in the Baltic countries are currently developing their capacities for the reconstruction of Ukraine and construction exports. Finnish industry and the government must also be proactive in this," reminds Karjalainen.

Professor of Construction, Markku Karjalainen

Tuusula High School and Cultural Center Monio is the first three-story log school. AOR Architects, © Anders Portman

Firms Architecture

From North to South

Lead Designers of the Project:

Hannu Huttunen, Jari Lepistö, Jutta Norros and Laura Vuoristo

J www.ark-house.com

ARK-house Architects

ARK-house Architects has undertaken a wide range of design projects, from land use planning and reference planning for zoning to designing public buildings, commercial buildings, and residential buildings, as well as interior and spatial design. Residential buildings now form a significant part of the office's design tasks. The office emphasizes the requirements of sustainable development and introduces alternative solutions to address future challenges.

Photography: Sami Saastamoinen and Tuomas Uusheimo

Kirjailijakortteli, Helsinki

The design work began as a parallel commission from five offices tasked with creating a reference plan for the block as a basis for the zoning change. The zoning amendment for the block was drafted based on our proposal in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and the developer. The work continued with the design of the buildings after the zoning plan was approved.

The Kirjailijakortteli block, consisting of three residential buildings, is located at the intersection of TakaTöölö's closed blocks and Meilahti's open block structure. The reference plan was based on a careful site analysis. The plot is bordered by three streets – Töölöntullinkatu, Topeliuksenkatu, and Stenbäckinkatu – so the overall solution draws its guidelines from the coordinates of these diverging streets.

While working on the plan, we sought a fresh perspective that enriches and complements the urban landscape while respecting the existing environment. As a residential design task, the project was relatively free. The challenge, but also the motivator, was the opportunity to design infill development in Taka-Töölö's fine and respected urban milieu. We strongly identify with the work regarding the zoning concept and the architecture of the buildings.

The block includes 130 apartments, commercial spaces, and workspaces connected to the apartments that enliven the street space. The complex comprises three separate buildings, each forming its own housing association.

Two buildings, As Oy Helsingin Linna and Waltari, are situated alongside Töölöntullinkatu, extending the building front of the Helsinki Adult Education Centre and the solid closed block structure of the northern part of the block. The third building, the tower-like As Oy Helsingin Kivi, is located within the block. Most of the courtyard area is underlain by a two-story parking garage serving all the housing associations.

The literary theme is visible in the block not only in the names of the housing associations but also as art on the walls of the stairwells and in the parking garage. The block did not have a separate art project or artist.

The buildings' forms, materials, and color schemes reference the building traditions of 20th-century Töölö. The facades are made of brick in light and warm, muted tones. The window openings feature a classic rectangular vertical window type.

The roofscape of the trio of new buildings creates an undulating rhythm in a free pattern, connecting the buildings into a sculptural whole. The roofs, covered with standing seam metal, vary in traditional gable and folded roof types.

Significant height differences characterize the block's courtyards. One courtyard wraps around a rock core, which connects as a grassy, gently sloping lounging area to the flat courtyard level. The deck courtyard seamlessly integrates with the groundlevel yard areas. The street space is enlivened with various masonry works, arcades, and plantings.

Chief Designer: Hannu Huttunen. Project Architect in Zoning and Reference. Planning Phase: Jari Lepistö. Project Architects in Building Design Phase: Jutta Norros and Laura Vuoristo.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Aki Davidsson, Jaana Tarkela, Minna Aalto and Miia Nieminen

aDT

Architects Davidsson Tarkela (aDT), founded in Helsinki in 1985, is a firm specializing in renovating and extending protected sites and demanding new construction projects.

aDT's expertise includes project management, urban planning, and incorporating circular economy and sustainable development principles throughout project processes. The firm's work is guided by the pursuit of a balance between architectural heritage, sustainable building design, and an excellent urban environment.

aDT offers a wide range of design services for public and private clients. The office employs architects and interior designers whose close client collaboration and networked design approach ensure a broad perspective on projects.

aDT's latest renovation projects, Lahti City

Hall and the renovation of the Small Stage of the Finnish National Theatre, were completed in 2023. Other recent design projects include renovating Kela's headquarters and the Kontula and Tapanila rescue stations.

In projects involving protected and historically significant buildings, aDT's extensive understanding of the site's societal, local, and future significance has been praised and has earned the firm awards.

The firm works on challenging projects in the new construction field, including museums, hotels, exhibition and fair buildings, congress buildings, office buildings, rescue stations, school buildings, and sports halls.

aDT's management team includes partners Aki Davidsson, Jaana Tarkela, and CEO Niklas Mahlberg.

Tuomas Uusheimo J 01 Lahti City Hall, page 48 J 02 Finnish National Theatre, page 50

Photography:

Completed in 1912, Lahti City Hall is one of Eliel Saarinen's significant works in Finland. The renovation design focused on preserving Saarinen's national romantic architecture. The firm's signature is evident in the meticulous restoration and innovative solutions for covering the inner courtyard. A filigree artwork by Kirsi Kaulanen was installed in the courtyard. The project aimed to retain as much

of the protected original architecture as possible and was designed in collaboration with the National Board of Antiquities. The City of Lahti received an honorable mention in this project's "Best Circular Economy Actions by Municipalities" competition. Additionally, Aki Davidsson and Jaana Tarkela were awarded the Lahti Apoli Prize.

Chief Designer: Aki Davidsson. Responsible Building Designer: Jaana Tarkela. Project Architect: Minna Aalto.

Lahti City Hall, Lahti

Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki

The renovation and modifications of the Small Stage building, the newest part of the National Theatre complex designed by Heikki and Kaija Siren and completed in 1954, were particularly challenging due to the building's high protection level and the integration of the latest stage technology. The deteriorated building was repaired from the foundations up. The facades were renewed with bricks crafted by ceramists Pekka Paikkari and Kati Tuominen-Niittylä, matching the originals. The ground floor restaurant space was restored, and new performance spaces, Taivassali and Maalaamosali, were created on the third floor. The surfaces of the protected areas were conserved, and the original color scheme was restored in collaboration with the National Board of Antiquities.

Chief Designer: Aki Davidsson, Responsible Building Designer: Jaana Tarkela, Project Architect: Miia Nieminen.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Petri Kontukoski, Janne Leino, Juho Koistinen and Elina Salakari

Kontukoski Architects

Kontukoski Architects was founded by Petri Kontukoski in Tampere in 2008. In 2022, architects Janne Leino, Juho Koistinen, and interior architect Elina Salakari were invited to partner with the firm. From the very beginning, the goal of the architectural firm has been to create high-quality, sustainable, and equitable built environments that best serve the needs of their users. The design and creation of spaces are centered around humanity

Photography: Marko Kallio and Tuomas Uusheimo

Visualizations: Arkkitehdit Kontukoski Oy

and humanism. Kontukoski's architecture emphasizes integrity, insightfulness, and an aesthetic rooted in Nordic clarity and culture. "Our firm has experience with various types of buildings, but we are particularly strong in healthcare, sports, and emergency service buildings. Here, we want to showcase our sports projects, which are particularly interesting due to their challenging design tasks and the diverse needs of the users of these gathering spaces."

J 01 Ouluhalli, page 54 J 02 Hakametsä Sport Campus, page 56 J www.kontukoski.fi

Renovation and Expansion of Ouluhalli, Oulu

The task was to create a natural extension for the domed hall, Ouluhalli. The extension's architecture draws on Ouluhalli's original design, where its futuristic and concrete form conceals an innovative and nature-inspired wooden structure. The flight movements of a northern moth, the hawk moth, inspire the streamlined shape and dark, partially translucent façade of the extension. The wedge-shaped extension

connects to the northern edge of Ouluhalli's concrete base, forming a unified main lobby between the old and new sections. Its curved shape, concrete surfaces, and wooden structures provide a striking setting for various uses.

The building includes numerous sports facilities of various sizes, designed with highly functional considerations. The rectangular floor plan ensures clear, well-defined spaces catering to different sports and competitive activities. The interiors feature raw concrete surfaces balanced with warm wooden finishes. (01)

Tuomas

Uusheimo

Tuomas

Uusheimo

Marko

Kallio

Hakametsä Sport Campus, Tampere

In 2020, Tampere held a concept and implementation competition for the Hakametsä Sport Campus, won by the consortium formed by Peab Oy and YH Kodit Oy, with Kontukoski as the principal designer.

The Hakametsä area will become a multi-functional block catering to various activities, such as sports, education, commercial spaces, accommodation, and a hub for ice sports.

At the heart of the area is the iconic Hakametsä ice rink (from 1965), which will undergo restorations that respect the building's original architecture. By reducing the seating capacity, new commercial spaces, an event arena, a running track, and other ancillary training facilities will be incorporated into the ice rink.

The Hakametsä Sport Campus concept aims to provide accessible outdoor sports opportunities while creating inviting and attractive urban and street spaces. The area will offer a comprehensive facility combining diverse spaces with modern digital solutions for elite sports and various recreational activities. It will also serve as a supportive, internationally significant center for education and research. (02)

At the heart of our design and creation process are humanity and human-centric principles. Kontukoski's architecture emphasizes integrity, innovation, and aesthetics derived from Nordic clarity and culture.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Hilla Rudanko, Anssi Kannkunen, Mikko Kilpeläinen, Panu Härmävaara and Kirsti Larja

J www.rudanko-kankkunen.com

Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen

Founded in 2010 by architects Hilla Rudanko and Anssi Kankkunen, Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen began with the opportunity to design a vocational school in Cambodia. This inspired them to explore school architecture, look towards the future, and follow the growth of generations.

"The buildings must have a long lifespan and be adaptable to new uses. Designing educational buildings has taught us to respect each design task as a unique opportunity to influence human growth and environmental sustainability."

Photography: Martin Sommerschield, Hannu Rytky and Nick Tulinen

J 01 Daycare Soittaja, page 62

J 02 Pakila Schools and Daycares, page 63

J 03 Namika Areena, page 64

J 04 Hyytiälä Forest Station, page 66

Daycare Soittaja, Helsinki

Completed in early 2024 in the Kannelmäki area of Helsinki, Päiväkoti Soittaja features a long, narrow building mass divided into three gables. Bright home areas are located at the ends of the building under their respective gables. The gables bow towards the daycare's learning yard, creating sheltered terraces. The idea of a narrow, home-like structure remained throughout the project.

"Soittaja became an environmentally friendly building with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, prioritizing the health of its users and the environment. A playful artwork by Kirsi Kivivirta, inspired by everyday observations, adorns the main entrance's exterior and interior." (01)

Team: Chief Architect Kirsti Larja, Aino Hukkanen, Jaakko Torvinen (competition phase), Kuisma Rasilainen (competition phase), Hilla Rudanko, Anssi Kankkunen.

Pakila Schools and Daycares, Helsinki

As an alliance project, we designed an educational complex in Pakila, Helsinki: a large school on Halkosuontie for grades 3-9 and a smaller building on Elontie for daycare-aged children and grades 1-2.

"Both sites are small and part of a sensitive residential area. The valuable 1950s school on Halkosuontie was renovated as part of the project. By dividing the children into smaller and larger groups, we created appropriately scaled buildings for both locations. The overall project included a carbon footprint analysis, resulting in a wooden-framed school on Halkosuontie and a wooden-clad daycare school on Elontie. The buildings were designed in collaboration with AFKS Architects." (02)

RK Team: Panu Härmävaara, Anni Peljo, Jaakko Torvinen, Kirsti Paloheimo, Mikko Kilpeläinen, Kiira Piiroinen, Aino Hukkanen, Hanna Sunela, Hilla Rudanko, Anssi Kankkunen. AFKS Team: Jaakko Keppo, Matti Sten, Pirita

Namika Arena is the main hub for Helsinki's YMCA basketball activities. It also serves as a sports facility for local schools and hobby groups.

"The arena's location is a significant landmark at the intersection of Ring I and Pakilantie in Pakila. Inspired by an original leather basketball, the umbra concrete facade earned the 2023 Concrete Facade Award." (03)

Team: Panu Härmävaara, Maija Viljanen, Olli Raila, Anni Peljo, Kirsti Paloheimo, Kuisma Rasilainen, Aino Hukkanen, Hilla Rudanko, Anssi Kankkunen.

Namika Arena, Helsinki

Hyytiälä Forest Station, Korkeakoski

Helsinki University's Hyytiälä Forest Station supports forestry and climate science learning and research. In 2023, we completed a new massive wooden main building, combining accommodation, education, meeting spaces, and an international Living Lab research platform for wooden construction. "The design aimed for an exceptional

150-year lifecycle. We borrowed from the recipe of the 19th-century building group: zinc gable roofs, long protective eaves, a high, airy stone foundation, and massive wooden structures. The new buildings integrate into the small-scale courtyard, adding a new temporal layer." (04)

Team: Chief Architect Mikko Kilpeläinen, competition and development phase chief architect Kuisma Rasilainen, Kiira Piiroinen (competition phase), Hilla Rudanko, Anssi Kankkunen.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Karla Sivula and Pekka Sivula

J www.arkkitehditsivula.fi

Sivula & Sivula Architects

Our architecture firm was established in 2014 and is located in Punavuori, Helsinki. Our team comprises eight architects, including partners and founders Karla Sivula and Pekka Sivula. Our scope of work includes zoning plans, site utilization plans, diverse residential designs ranging from apartment complexes to private villas, daycare and nursing home designs, and commercial construction. Additionally, we engage in renovation projects such as property development, restoration, and changes in usage. Our design principles emphasize high-quality and sustainable architecture, respecting the values of the building site and integrating it into its surroundings. We focus on functionality, cost-efficiency, buildability, and achieving sustainable development, human experience, and aesthetic integrity.

Photography: Marc Goodwin, Kalle Kouhia and Martti Järvi

This private residence is located on the seaside in Kulosaari. The strict existing block structure and the site's steep slope influenced the building's architectural form. Views from the building are intentionally closed off to the sides and back to ensure privacy, while the south façade is fully open to light and the sea.

The building is terraced into the slope, with the yard split into two levels. The entrance courtyard is at street level, with the garage extending into the hill. At this level, partially opening into the slope, are the sauna, swimming pool, and fitness areas with indirect natural light. The leading residential floor is above the garage and spa area surrounding a sheltered courtyard, with living and dining areas and a library on this level. The second floor houses the bedrooms adjacent to a recessed, private roof terrace. The large glass walls on the first and second floors offer breathtaking sea views from Katajanokka Casino to Suomenlinna. The proximity to the sea and the protective, terraced architectural form provide the residents a sense of luxurious tranquility throughout the year. (01)

Villa Kulosaari, Helsinki

SIVULA

Puustellinmetsä Parking Facility, Tuusula

The recently completed parking facility is located in Puustellinmetsä, Tuusula, amidst a village-like residential area that served as the exhibition area for the 2020 Housing Fair. With its green walls, the parking facility provides a protective backdrop for the town square and meets the parking needs of the surrounding block under construction. Its ascending form connects the lower residential area with the higher apartment block area. The façade comprises two types of differently shaped perforated metal panels. The folded design considers the direction of car headlights, preventing glare outward. The green wall on the square side dampens noise and blocks views and glare from the inside out. The orientation of the façade panels follows the slopes of the slanted concrete parking levels, highlighted with LED strip lighting in the evening. Entrances are marked by steel canopy structures, with the triangular shape of the supports guiding visitors with their arrow-like design. (02)

Säterinkallio Residential Area, Espoo

A new residential area, Säterinkallio, is being developed in Espoo's Leppävaara along the new Raidejokeri line. The area is designed as a series of sheltered residential courtyards, with cars in the center of the blocks under green courtyard decks. The street façades are designed to follow a unified line. The architects responsible for the project have closely collaborated to design both the street-facing and courtyard-facing

façades. The street-facing building will be clad in sand-colored brick, emphasizing vertical themes, relief-like brick details, and recessed glazed balconies. On the courtyard side, the brick elements will feature lace-like brickwork, providing shade and privacy for the balconies. The courtyard-facing buildings are otherwise plastered, and each courtyard-facing tower has a distinct color-highlighted two-story upper section, creating colorful, differently oriented roofs that offer varying and interesting courtyard views from different angles. (03)

Lead Designers of the Project:

Miia-Liina Tommila, Yrjänä Vuojala and Hanna-Maria Virtanen

J www.tommilaarchitects.com

Tommila Architects

Sustainable development has been a central part of Tommila Architects' work from the beginning, spanning four decades. This showcased campus exemplifies this through the renovation and thoughtful adaptation of old buildings for new, flexible uses. Today, regenerative design, grounded in the utilization of natural systems in construction, remains one of our guiding principles.

Photography: Anders Portman and Tuomas Uusheimo

Creative Campus, Arabia 135, Helsinki

In 2021, a campus for Metropolia University of Applied Sciences' creative programs and the Pop & Jazz Conservatory was completed in the Arabia factory block, Arabia135, in Helsinki. Arkkitehdit Tommila envisioned the area's future as early as the 1980s, birthing the idea of a creative district. From the 1990s to now, we have designed significant modifications, renovations, and new constructions within the factory block. Our work has yielded a unique perspective on the lifecycle of this culturally and historically valuable block. Various development phases demonstrate the adaptation of buildings to new uses.

The project was prompted by the relocation of the University of Art and Design to Otaniemi, freeing up large areas within the block. Concurrently, Metropolia initiated a project to consolidate operations into four campuses, one established in Arabia.

A significant success of the campus project was creating a cohesive and functional whole in multiple stages. From the dark, labyrinthine factory building of the 1940s, a rugged and characterful campus has emerged. Lower floors were extensively opened up, with inter-floor openings that enhance light, orientation, and community within the block.

The renovation architecture emphasized an understanding of the factory's original characteristics. Exposed demolition surfaces of the concrete frame narrate the changes made to the building's core.

Original features have also been brought back to life. Concrete floors have been revealed, and numerous skylights illuminate new workshop spaces and the restaurant. The subdued material palette allows students' colorful and ever-changing work to take center stage.

The campus hosts design, conservation, film, and communication programs and the Helsinki XR Center for Extended Reality Technology.

The Soiva new building created shared spaces for Metropolia and the Pop & Jazz Conservatory. The 7,000 m² space combines a music play school, hobbyists, and professional studies.

A key design goal for Soiva was seamless user interaction within the building. The five-story, glass-covered atrium forms the heart of the building. Broad bridges with seating areas cross the high atrium.

Colors are drawn from the world of music. The dark tones of rock 'n roll blend with the gold of classical brass instruments and jazz. Colors and materials communicate through architecture that the building is designed for students of various music genres.

The brick facade integrates the new building into the block. The window pattern, repeated in the high atrium interior, is derived from medieval musical notation, giving the building a recognizable and unique look. Gold-colored aluminum window frames and entrance cladding lighten the dark facade.

Project Leader of Campus Planning: Miia-Liina Tommila. Phases 1 and 3, including the renovation of the Arabia library: Principal Designer: Yrjänä Vuojala, Responsible Building Designer: Miia-Liina Tommila. Phase 2 (Soiva): Principal Designer: Yrjänä Vuojala, Responsible Building Designer: Hanna-Maria Virtanen.

Lead Designer of the Projects: Heikki

Heikki Viiri Architects

Heikki Viiri Architects was founded in 2009 and evolved into its current form in 2019 due to changes in ownership. The office works comprehensively across the field of architecture, from land use planning to building design. Most of the company's projects involve residential design in various forms and tourism construction. Often, projects also include built-in furniture and interior design. Although the office is small, with only 2–5 people, it expands as needed by employing student labor and forming project-specific joint ventures. One of the office's most

significant and interesting projects was the atrium apartments in Jätkäsaari, based on a winning entry in an architectural competition organized by the Helsinki City Planning Department, the Helsinki Parish Union, and Pohjola Rakennus Uusimaa Oy. The project was completed in 2019. The office has focused on low-carbon construction in its designs. Most of the houses and townhouses designed by the office are wooden structures, using techniques such as on-site construction, log construction, and CLT construction.

J 01 Jätkäsaari Residential Buildings, page 86

J 02 Nova Skyland Hotel, page 88

J 03 Joe Lalli Resort, page 90

Viiri

Photography: Mika Huisman, Ari Viiri and Arto Liiti

Jätkäsaari Residential Buildings, Helsinki

This project aimed to design atrium apartment buildings, which are a rare type of multi-story building. The project developed an atrium building typology suitable for modern cities, consisting of an open, skylit stairwell and surrounding apartments. The buildings were designed as robust urban multi-story buildings using timeless materials: brick, glass, wood, and zinc. The atrium courtyard, or stairwell, is large, bright, and communal. The themes of the building's facades, such as the brick walls of the lower floors and the slanted zinc wall of the top loft floor, are repeated in the atrium space. The ground floors house facilities for the Helsinki Parish Union, including a daycare, scout space, and offices, combined with the Chapel of Good Hope. Contrary to the original zoning plan, the height of the buildings was increased by one floor, adding height variation to the street facade and emphasizing the chapel's position as a lower mass between the buildings. (01)

Project Team: Chief Designer Heikki Viiri and project architects Hannu Salmi and Emma Blomqvist. The competition entry was done in collaboration with Eero Kontuniemi.

Nova Skyland Hotel, Rovaniemi

Another strength of the office is its construction related to tourism, as exemplified by the Nova Skyland Hotel in Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. The hotel, built in a beautiful natural environment, comprises twostory cottage apartments that wrap around a small grove. The upstairs bedrooms have panoramic windows offering views of the northern sky and the Northern Lights. The lower floor includes a communal space that can be expanded into a sleeping area. Each apartment features a sauna. Special attention was paid to the hotel's architecture, details, and Scandinavian interior design. (02)

Project Team: Chief Designer Heikki Viiri and interior designer Tuula Ylinenpää.

Joe Lalli Resort, Moganshan, China

The office has also designed tourism-related buildings abroad. The most important international project is Joe Lalli Resort, located in Moganshan, Deqing County, Guangdong Province, China. The task involved designing five different villa types and terrace hotel buildings suitable for the steep mountain landscape, as well as overall area planning, landscape design, and interior design of the buildings. The total scope of the project was

approximately 20,000 square meters. The project was carried out in collaboration with Geometria Architects.

An example of land use planning is the area planning of the center of Kirkkonummi, including block plans and zoning work. The work consisted of two different zoning projects: the zoning plan for Villa Haga Park and the zoning plan for Tallinmäki. Together, these projects form a significant whole as almost the entire center of Kirkkonummi is renewed through these projects. The zoning plan for Villa Haga Park includes

nine new residential/commercial blocks, while the Tallinmäki zoning plan includes two central blocks and the main square area. (03)

Joe Lalli Resort Project Team: Heikki Viiri, Tuula Ylinenpää, Markus Wikar, Toni Österlund, and Sami Vikström. For Villa Haga Park zoning, Heikki Viiri was the planner and chief designer, with Saku Kuittinen as the project architect. The Tallinmäki zoning project was done in collaboration with Arkkitehtipalvelu, with Heikki Viiri as the planner and chief designer and Juhani Laaksonen as the project architect.

HEIKKI

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Pet Michael, Anssi Michael and Kim Michael

Pet Michael Architects

Pet Michael founded the office in 1988 after working in his father's architectural firm, among other places. Since then, the family-run business has included Pet's sons, Anssi Michael and Kim Michael, as employees and partners. From its early days, the architectural firm has specialized in residential design, ranging from single-family houses and vacation properties to large apartment building projects. One goal in their design is to choose building and facade materials that are durable and, as much as possible, recyclable, considering their carbon footprint. Another objective is incorporating something new into each project while ensuring the firm's recognizable design style remains visible.

Photography: Pet Michael and Aki Loponen

PET MICHAEL ARCHITECTS

Lauttasaarentie 52–54, Helsinki

Among the office's projects, the most prominently located in the urban landscape is the apartment complex in Lauttasaari, Helsinki, which includes 226 apartments, 12 commercial spaces, and a large underground parking garage spread over three levels. The design was inspired by open sea views, the dramatic terrain, the greenhouses allowed by the zoning plan for the top two floors, and the urban location. A 1-2-story high natural stone plinth unified the large, intricately terraced building mass with a wavy, maritime-inspired top surface. The dynamic rhythm of the windows reinforces the chosen theme.

The main objective was to design a beautiful building that fits its location and enhances the spirit of the place. The partially narrow depth of the building allowed for bright spaces and a diverse range of apartment types. The project was challenging due to its location and the site's characteristics, but it was also very interesting. The design solution aimed to strengthen the identity of the place, acknowledge the area's history, and serve as a prominent urban boundary for Lauttasaari's built environment, situated in one of the most visible locations along the Länsiväylä highway and the island's main road. (01)

Project Lead Designers: Kim Michael and Pet Michael.

Single-Family House, Lahti

The developer of the single-family house had high aspirations for the project. The task was to create an innovative and high-quality living space on the lake's shore in the city center. The building frame and solution were designed and executed with circular economy and sustainable development principles. The low-carbon steel frame is attached with bolted connections, allowing for future relocation and reuse. Despite these sustainable practices, the high standard of architecture was maintained. The steel structure enabled a freely flowing, partially two-story-high sequence of spaces inside. The facades feature a diverse and earthy selection of materials: concrete, steel, wood, and glass. (02)

Project Lead Designers: Anssi Michael, Pet Michael, and Kim Michael.

PET MICHAEL ARCHITECTS

Lead Designer of the Project: Polo

Sarpaneva Architects

Founded in 1988, Sarpaneva Architects has worked on more than 300 design projects over the past five decades. These projects span a wide range, from holiday homes and residential developments to furniture design and industrial buildings. Currently, a significant part of our work involves renovating and converting heritage properties, focusing on private new construction, restoration, and renovation projects. Polo Sarpaneva graduated as an architect in 1987 and has worked independently since then. He also spent ten years as an exhibition architect for his father, the artist Timo Sarpaneva, designing exhibitions worldwide.

Sarpaneva

Photography and visualizations: Sarpaneva Architects

Designers from top left: Jonathan Björkman, Johan Lärka, Aarre Ollila, Tomoko Nagaya and Polo Sarpaneva.

SARPANEVA

Asoy Munkkiniemen Kadetti, Helsinki

Architectural Firm Sarpaneva had the great honor of working on this architectural gem designed by Eliel Saarinen, transforming it into a residential landmark for the area. The building served various purposes for the first 100 years, including a short stint as a pension, the Cadet School, and the Air Force Headquarters, and later as training and office facilities for the Customs Board and HAUS. The design process began in the summer of 2017 by planning a zoning change in collaboration with the

developer, Aalto Development Oy. The building was already protected under the previous zoning plan, making preservation a critical aspect throughout the zoning change and construction phases. The design of the building and its surroundings progressed in tandem with the zoning process, and the building permit was granted soon after the zoning plan was approved in October 2019. Due to the nature of this protected heritage building, plans were continually refined as construction progressed, particularly during surface and interior work phases, which included implementing the diverse modification requests of future residents. The design also encom-

passed nearly 3000 m² of shared facilities, such as an underground parking garage beneath the courtyard, sauna facilities with a swimming pool, and a wine cellar, among others.

Every aspect of the design was meticulously addressed, with the best professionals in various fields consulted as experts. Collaboration with multiple city authorities and the Finnish Heritage Agency was conducted positively and constructively.

The 40 apartments are all unique in size and appearance, ranging from small studio units to the largest two-story tower apartment.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Seppo Markku and Anneli Hellsten

H&M Architects

Founded in 1992, our architectural firm specializes in designing public buildings, particularly educational institutions, sports facilities, and libraries. Our most significant project to date is the Paavola Campus, the largest construction project ever undertaken by the city of Lahti.

"The project was exciting and particularly challenging with all its requirements," said the project's chief designer Seppo Markku, architect SAFA, and project architect Anneli Hellsten, architect SAFA.

Paavola Campus, Lahti

The Paavola Campus area is part of Lahti's cultural center. The area consists of renovated old buildings and two new constructions. The campus hosts Finland's largest high school, Gaudia, the IB High School, Tiirismaa School, the Wellamo Community College, and the TAIKA School of Art

for children and young people. The schools emphasize music, visual arts, performing arts, and natural sciences.

The buildings are contained within a 500-meter-diameter circle, accommodating nearly 3,000 students and teachers who use all available spaces based on an agreed-upon principle. The city library and theater are also located on the circle's edge, allowing campus activities to extend into these

facilities. Conversely, the library and theater can use campus facilities. The Humpulan Daycare Center is also located on the circle's edge. The functional visions in the project plan commissioned from the architectural firm considered, among other things, the internationality of the campus complex and the study of foreign languages from daycare to high school.

"The completed complex provides functional and spatial conditions for the vision. It opens up possibilities where only creativity and the degree of commitment set limits. The project represents a wonderful opportunity to operate pedagogically in a new way, efficiently and diversely. In this solution, all participants gain more than anyone could have achieved alone." (01)

Paavola Campus / Tiirismaa School

The original building was completed in 1987, according to Arto Sipinen's plans for the Lahti Adult Education Center. It is protected by the city plan. The design goal was to respect the building's original architecture, and the necessary thorough repairs and modifications were carried out meticulously. Converting the adult education building into a comprehensive school presented design challenges. For

example, the acoustic solutions differ between adult and children's sound environments. In good cooperation with authorities, pedagogical and urban planning issues and protection-related constraints were resolved. The main hall was designed to serve as a foyer for the new dining area and the sports and performance hall events. The inner courtyard of the building was converted for the functional use of the primary school. A versatile yard with sports and age-specific activity areas was created beside the new building. (02)

The completed project opens up possibilities where only creativity and the level of commitment set the limits.

Lahti High School Gaudia / Wellamo College

The high school and community college received new facilities in the former and new buildings of Kannas High School and the Design Institute. The buildings were connected by a colorful steel and glass walkway crossing the street. The oldest part of the Design Institute had to be demolished. In its place, a new building was constructed. The third floor houses a flexible learning space that can transform into a large, unified exam hall for matriculation exams.

"Normal learning spaces can quickly be converted into exam rooms and back into regular classrooms. Our innovation was to accommodate exam functions and regular high school learning activities. Usually, matriculation exams take over the high school's gym, preventing its use for sports during exam periods."

The high school consists of a new building, a renovated high school building, and two renovated "cubes." The middle cube houses the high school's café, learning, administration, music spaces, and auditorium.

The third cube contains the ART-house facilities for the entire campus, accommodating the high school, upper secondary school, Wellamo College groups, and the children's art school TAIKA. Extensive sports and performance facilities serving the entire campus are on the yard's other side. (03)

J www.ark-mustonen.fi

Tarmo Mustonen Architects

We always start our design commissions with a thorough analysis. We identify and gather all relevant initial data and any potentially conflicting goals and constraints. We then organize these into a clear, beautiful, and balanced plan. We consider the principal tenets of construction—durability, utility, and beauty—that have endured for over two thousand years to be still relevant today. We aim to create designs that are both timely and timeless. We strive to ensure that our designs do not appear outdated in ten years but instead possess elements that withstand the test of time.

We achieve timelessness by carefully considering spatial formation and views, deliberate proportions and scales, and thoughtfully applied light and materials. The tactile quality of materials is crucial. We work across the full spectrum of architectural design, from interior design at a 1:1 scale to extensive urban planning at a 1:10,000 scale. In every design task, we always consider the broader context and how the plan fits into the overall scheme, whether a large-scale urban plan, a part of a building, or an interior design. Conversely, understanding the details is always beneficial when creating broad area plans.

Photography: Tarmo Mustonen

Lead Designer of the Project:

Tarmo Mustonen

The apartment building in the center of Kalanti, Uusikaupunki, was designed based on a block plan prepared by our office. The roof shape and color harmonize with the building group on the opposite side of the street.

A group of six linked semi-detached houses in Lieto, in an area zoned by our office. Carports connect the plastered dwellings, and their sheltered yards open towards the forest behind the houses.

The images' terraced house and apartment building were commissioned based on a broader plan. Our office prepared the land use plans for the surrounding areas of the buildings, including reference design sketches. Both buildings adhere to the sketches created to ensure feasibility and compliance with the zoning plan. We value terrain forms, trees, and existing vegetation. It's essential that city planning, including streets and blocks, and building designs, including the buildings themselves, fit into the landscape and vegetation with minimal damage.

Sustainability involves precise planning. Urban and building plans must be accurate; land and resources must not be wasted, nor should community structures be dispersed. The fundamental goal must always be to create the most fulfilling life possible for residents. Our office was initially founded as a result of success in architectural competitions.

Lead Designer of the Projects:

Pekka Koli

Tilatakomo Architects

Tilatakomo Architects was founded in 1992 by a group of student colleagues in Tampere. The firm's current partners are Pekka Koli and Esko Talonpoika. Our projects have been realized mainly in Southern and Eastern Finland, with recent projects in Tampere and its surrounding municipalities. We strive to approach our design tasks from the perspectives of location, history, and users. Each project is approached with fresh eyes, resulting in a diverse architectural portfolio. We primarily design public buildings, but our references cover many residential buildings, including single-family homes

and apartment complexes. We handle both new construction and renovation projects. Some of our most significant works include the Ruusutorppa School in Espoo (2002/2004), Mikpoli for Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences (2005), Kangasala High School (2012), the Karisto Service Center in Lahti (2013), and Vatiala School (2020). Several projects have originated from architectural competitions. Our recent and ongoing design projects mainly involve daycare centers, educational institutions, and cultural buildings, from needs assessment to the implementation phase.

J 01 Library and Cultural Center Virta, page 120 J 02 Hippos daycare, page 123

Photography: Anders Portman, Vesa Voitto Sakari, Lars Salo, Pekka Koli and Outi Aalto

chosen was the familiar plot of the old library, which was demolished.

The building comprises the city's main library, youth facilities, cultural department facilities, an auditorium, permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, and an art collection room. Over the years, the main library and cultural and youth facilities have sought a location on different plots as new buildings and within

We have been involved in various stages of project planning over the years, but the final commission resulted from a public tender. The plot presented several design challenges, such as fitting the program's spaces and spatial units functionally across different floors on a tight site and the traffic flow for the bookmobile garage.

The goal was to create a main

Virta, City of Nokia

The aim was to create a compact white building mass, with the entrance areas highlighted by accent colors and sheltered by canopies and overhangs.

TILATAOKOMO

entrance on the second floor, closer to the library's main lobby, opening invitingly towards Pirkkala Square, and another entrance on the first floor for the youth facilities, hall, library, and maintenance. The plot had no parking space, so the surrounding parking spaces also served the library users.

The aim was to create clear and bright material spaces. In addition to views, the objective was to make the activities invitingly visible to the surroundings through glass walls.

The implementation plans were practically ready when the project was halted in autumn 2016. When the design restarted in summer 2017, the scope was reduced, the top floor was removed, and the building was lowered while keeping the exterior envelope in place. Lowering the building changed its proportions, but the changes in the external appearance and functional space were satisfactorily resolved.

The aim was to create a compact white building mass, with the entrance areas highlighted by accent colors and sheltered canopies and overhangs. Inviting stairs and a café terrace were designed adjacent to the main entrance on the second floor without compromising accessibility.

The primary facade material chosen was long-lasting composite panels, with a surface structure reminiscent of crumpled paper, giving the building a distinctive and prestigious look befitting a public cultural building. The white, clean paper surface symbolizes a new beginning and reflects the library's material and Nokia's paper industry history. (01)

Chief Designer, Architect: Pekka Koli

Hippos Daycare Center, Tampere

Hippos Daycare Center was built on the site of an old daycare building that was demolished. The building follows the old zoning plan and has spaces for 120 children. The central dining and gym facilities also serve as evening-use spaces for the residents.

The project was the City of Tampere's first public building with a massive wood structure, and it was also our office's first public building project with a massive wood structure. The structural frame is made of CLT elements, and the exterior is clad with wooden paneling and composite panels.

The diagonally aligned wings of the building connect with the adjacent church building, creating a courtyard that protects the playground from street noise. The single-story building fits well with the low-rise residential area to the west, serving as a boundary to the street and blending into the predominantly high-rise area.

The Kissanmaa neighborhood used to have the Hippos racecourse, which inspired artist Maria Laurikka's horse-themed motifs on the courtyard facade. (02)

Chief Designer, Architect: Pekka Koli

Studio Director: Jussi Murole

B & M Architects

B & M Architects has been operating in various fields of architecture both in Finland and abroad since 1992. Ambitious and innovative approaches to assignments create the conditions for transferring experience to tasks and further to the built environment. International activities and multidisciplinary collaboration provide a broad perspective on design tasks. The scope of assignments ranges from large-scale urban plans to the most detailed elements. Design tasks include neighborhoods and blocks, commercial, office, residential buildings, transportation environments, and public outdoor spaces. Since its founding, the office has been a pioneer in

3D modeling and visualization of plans. We apply the principles of sustainable development and eco-efficient construction, considering the ecological sustainability of land use and construction and cultural and social values. Every piece should complement the whole, and new ones should create junctions for future pieces. We have sometimes compared our projects to the stories of One Thousand and One Nights. Each story is different, but specific themes connect them all. Creating new, appropriate, and sustainable pieces for the great puzzle is one recurring theme or mission. The office's motto is "The difference between a place and space is gravity."

Photography: Tuomas Uusheimo

Delfiini Block / As Oy Atlas and Hyperion, Helsinki

The Delfiini Block has a lower, three-story base section and two high-rise residential buildings, 24 and 33 stories high.

The facades of the building masses are articulated with folds, recessed entrances, and an arcade along the pedestrian route. The color scheme follows the bronze hue defined in the zoning plan. Special attention has been paid to combinability and flexibility in housing design. All apartments have green rooms. The durability, maintainability, surface treatment, and color of the concrete surface, the division of elements, and the details of the elements and false joints were considered in the facades. Large floor-to-ceiling windows were integrated into the elements.

The facade creates rich color surfaces and textures. The Facial Color surface treatment, graphic concrete, and the rhythm of elements and false joints give the facade the character typical of metal. The project will be completed in the fall of 2024. (01)

Chief Designer: Arkkitehtuuritoimisto B&M Oy/Jussi Murole. Building Designers: Mathias Nyström, Miina Kontuniemi, Lassi Hackman, Niina Lehikoinen, Arvind Ramachandran, Jaakko West, Susanna Elmnäinen, Daniel Burneo, Blake Naumann, Heidi Peura, Barbora Takkunen, Anna Sirola, Tuomas Seppänen.

Siltasairaala, Helsinki

Siltasairaala is located in the Meilahti hospital area, complementing the area's historically valuable environment and building stock. The new hospital will house, among other things, outpatient facilities, emergency and surgical departments, intensive care, imaging, a day hospital, educational facilities, and offices. The new building consists of the Trauma Hospital and the expansion of the Cancer Center, connected by a two-story wedge-shaped bridge

structure that serves as a lounge and meeting area for both hospitals. The facades are articulated with three-dimensional aluminum panels. Artist Sari Palosaari created the silk-screen patterns on the glass surfaces of the facades.

The design was carried out with AW2 Architects, Brunet & Saunier, and Harris & Kjisik Architects. (02)

Designers: Jussi Murole, Timo Patomo, Ossi Konttinen, Arvind Ramachandran, Jaakko West, Anna Sirola, Jenni Hölttä, Katri Palojärvi, Juha Vento.

The people of the office.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Saara Repo and Janne Repo

Arkkityypit

Saara and Janne Repo began their business in 1993 after winning first prize in an architectural competition for the University of Oulu area as architecture students. The following year, the couple won the architectural competition organized by the Ylöjärvi Housing Fair, and in 2003, they won the international Europan 7 architectural competition. Arkkityypit Oy was established in 2004. The company's activities focus primarily on the design of residential and living environments. The scale of projects ranges from neighborhood and block planning to residential and interior design. Their

motto is to find the best potential in each task and refine it through excellent and innovative design for the common good.

The small office of Arkkityypit takes small steps towards sustainability in every project, aiming to integrate elements into construction, living, and housing that move towards the goal of a balanced environmental relationship. These steps are expressed architecturally by highlighting and emphasizing specific characteristics. Incorporating sustainability features and architectural elements is possible when cost-effective solutions have been achieved through design.

Photography: Arkkityypit

J 01 Kuopas apatrments, page 134

J 02 Vinskin piha, page 135

J 03 As Oy Kuopion Seilori and Veturi, page 137

J 04 As Oy Kuopion Kuohu, page 139 J www.arkkityypit.fi

Kuopas Apartments, Kuopio

In the new Kuopas apartment buildings of the Kuopio Student Housing Foundation, social sustainability, and student community are emphasized through the "clubhouse" above the entrance of each building. Each building has a two-story CLT-struc -

tured clubhouse, decorated and named according to a theme, which opens through corner windows to the courtyard surrounded by the buildings. This theme has varied in different ways in all Kuopas projects designed by Arkkityypit around the city. Additionally, the flat roofs of the buildings produce electricity for the needs of a zero-energy house. (01)

"Vinskin piha" (First Prize in the Plot Allocation Competition), Kuopio

The four-story apartment buildings with hybrid structures and wooden elements fit seamlessly into the boulevard-like wooden cityscape of Puistokatu thanks to their eaves heights and the granularity of the masses. History can provide sustainable elements for the foundation of new architecture. (02)

As Oy Kuopion Seilori and As Oy Kuopion Veturi, Kuopio

As Oy Kuopion Seilori is situated on a steep slope by the Keilankanta canal as a three-story building, with a separate stairwell leading from the entrance courtyard level one floor down and one floor up. As Oy Kuopion Veturi is designed based on an existing town plan. The pixelation of the facades creates the sculptural building mass required by the town plan. The pixel facades are executed with steel lamellae so that typical features of an apartment building, such as windows, doors, and balconies, are made to disappear into the pixel background. The steel lamellae turn into the ceiling surfaces of the balcony recesses, the arcade corridor, and the wall and ceiling surfaces of the two-story entrance lobby behind the glass facade. The colors of the Veturi pixels are derived from neighboring buildings. Gold refers to the yellow-brown ceramic tiles of the building to the east, and black and white to the metal and concrete tones of the building to the west. The massing of the Veturi and the lamellae cladding joints align perfectly with the lines of the neighboring buildings. The new building situates itself confidently and distinctively, yet humbly, respecting its old neighbors. (03)

The pixelation of the facades has achieved the sculptural building mass required by the zoning plan.

As Oy Kuopion Kuohu, Kuopio

The joint lines of the precast concrete facades of the residential buildings designed for Mölymäki in Kuopio are obscured by grooving the colored concrete surface. The grooving pattern (depth, width, and distance of the grooves) varies from element to element, making the concrete surfaces tactilely interesting. (04)

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Aaro Virkkunen, Marko Salo and Harri Kokkonen

Avarc Architects

Avarc Architects was founded in 1991 by architect Aaro Virkkunen. With a team of approximately 12 architects, Avarc delivers high-quality architecture and efficient design. We specialize in new construction, developing old environments, preservation, and repurposing. Our principles are sustainable quality, timeless architecture, and versatile expertise in various fields of design.

J 01 Hotel Maria, page 142 J 02 Villa Vuoranta, page 146

Photography: Mikko Ala-Peijari

The Hotel Maria, Helsinki

Located in Helsinki's oldest district, Kruunuhaka, The Hotel Maria is a property complex composed of four separate buildings. The classical building group was initially constructed in 1885 for the Uusimaa Sharpshooter Battalion.

The Hotel Maria is designed as part of the Empire-style city center. It is set to be Helsinki's most prestigious hotel with its celebration floors, restaurant and bar facilities, and spa and sauna areas. The hotel has a boutique feel with a total of 117 luxurious rooms.

New building elements, such as the restaurant's pavilion extension, the glass corridors connecting buildings on the second floor, the spa area's glass-covered atrium courtyard, and the minimalist glass facades of the attic penthouse rooms, contrast with the details and architecture of the old classical structures.

The hotel is designed as part of the Empire-style city center and is set to be Helsinki's most prestigious hotel.

The project, which spans approximately 13,400 square meters, was particularly challenging due to the various changes, structural types, details, decorations, and techniques used over 150 years. The design was developed in collaboration with experts from the Finnish Heritage Agency.

Adapting the building for a new purpose, meeting high-end hotel standards, and integrating modern technical requirements into the old protected spaces and structures made the design and implementation work exceptionally demanding and meticulous. Custom solutions were tailored for all spaces and buildings for the developer Samla Capital.

The design team from Avarc Arkkitehdit Oy produced an enormous number of plans, studies, drawings, site tasks, and consultations throughout the project. (01)

The team was led by architect Marko Salo, who was also the chief designer, along with architect Aaro Virkkunen and the Avarc Arkkitehdit design team.

The original Vuoranta was designed by architect Professor Helmer Stenroos in the early 1970s as a training center for Alko. According to plans by Avarc Arkkitehdit, the main building was transformed into a high-end private care facility, Villa Vuoranta.

The renovation aimed to preserve the protected property's original architecture and key interior spaces while sustainably achieving the demanding content and technical requirements.

The building's essential character is its site-cast, exposed concrete structure. The form-patterned concrete,

red brick cladding, and large window openings framed by the structure are characteristic of the era's architecture. Despite structural challenges, these elements were preserved and restored.

The repair and extension plans included manually restoring formboarded reinforced concrete surfaces using methods developed specifically for this project. The brick cladding and insulation for exterior walls and roofs were renewed, closely following the original appearance. Windows and doors were also replaced to match the original design.

The building's typical terrace structures, structural yards, and the integration of indoor and outdoor

spaces were maintained as part of its use as a care home. The large classroom-like meeting rooms were divided into modular rooms and care apartments according to the modular frame and window dimensions.

Spacious lobby areas were reconfigured into dining and living areas and expanded with new glass walls to increase light. The multi-level, hillside-based building's accessibility was resolved with a lift sized for care use and pathways in the outdoor areas. (02)

The architectural design was carried out by architects Marko Salo, who was the chief designer, Aaro Virkkunen, and the Avarc Arkkitehdit design team.

Villa Vuoranta, Helsinki

Lead Designers of the Project:

Agu Külm, Matti Anttila and Villu Scheler

AW2 Architects

AW2 Architects, founded in Paris in 1994, expanded its operations to Finland in 2003. Our office employs 40 architects and 15 interior architects. Our core expertise lies in designing hospitals and other service buildings. The knowledge gained from our domestic and international hospital projects deepens our understanding of current trends in hospital construction and provides a foundation for new, innovative design solutions.

Medical science evolves faster than hospital construction. Patient care and space requirements change over time. Therefore, the building's technical systems and structural framework must be adaptable, allowing spaces to be repurposed for new uses. Through careful design, we aim to minimize environmental and lifecycle costs. Collaboration with specialist designers enables us to meet the ecological requirements of building services.

Inspiration and creativity in design stem from a well-functioning work community where members interact closely with each other. Good architecture is born in an atmosphere of optimism and confidence in the future.

Photography: Timo Arbeiter and Arne Maasik

Tartu University Hospital

AW2 Architects Oy collaborated with AS Sweco Projekt to design the third phase of Tartu University Hospital's expansion. The expansion is part of the Maarjamõisa medical campus. It includes a new children's clinic, an extension of the emergency department, an ENT clinic, a women's clinic, a family center, and a day surgery center. Construction was completed in 2023, increasing the hospital's total area by over 33,000 square meters. The new children's clinic, with six above-ground and two underground floors, provides around 100 beds and handles the most complex pediatric cases in Estonia. The four-story C-building houses the new day surgery center and ENT clinic, also serving patients in the specialty of maxillofacial surgery. The C-building features an innovative Kardex vertical storage system for transporting medical supplies between floors, a first in Estonian hospital buildings.

The third phase also included the construction of several smaller structures for the medical campus, such as a new entrance for the emergency department. All departments include teaching facilities for the University of Tartu's medical faculty. The project focused on functional solutions, paying particular attention to the logistics of the large clinic building and considering both patient and staff perspectives.

The new buildings feature white and Corten steel facades, matching previous construction phases to create a cohesive look. Innovative LED RGBW lighting was used, allowing children to adjust the color of their window lights. Silver-grey and oak tones created a unified solution with previous phases. At the same time, the children's clinic's distinctive lilac-blue hue draws inspiration from the international color for premature babies.

The three-year construction period (2020-2023) faced exceptional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis in building material availability, and the impacts of the war in Ukraine. Despite these difficulties, the project was completed on schedule and to a high standard. A harmonious design and architectural solution were achieved through close cooperation and open dialogue with the client, providing an efficient working environment for staff and a healing environment for patients.

Project Architects:

Merja Kiviranta, Ida Väänänen and Sergej von Bagh

J www.bst-ark.fi

BST-Arkkitehdit

Photography: Marko Kallio and BST Arkkitehdit

BST-Arkkitehdit Oy is an architectural firm based in Tampere, employing around 30 designers. Our projects cover various aspects of construction, including area planning, residential design, commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, public buildings, daycare centers, schools, and production buildings. We aim to create buildings that reflect the users' needs and highlight the inherent possibilities of the materials used. It is crucial for our projects to be economically feasible and durable over time and use.

J 01 University Library Lähde Renovation, page 156

J 02 Toas Kauppi, page 158

J 03 Naistenlahti Power Plant, page 160

University Library Lähde Renovation, Jyväskylä

The renovation of the library building, originally completed in 1974 and located on the Seminaarinmäki campus, aimed to transform the space from a storage facility to a hub of human activity. The building, renamed Lähde, underwent a significant transformation in collaboration with lead architect Ari Sipinen, with extensive consultations with the National Board of Antiquities. Lähde won the 2022 Finlandia Prize for Architecture.

We were responsible for this project's architectural design, spatial planning, and user collaboration. In addition to library services, the building now houses numerous learning spaces, event and exhibition areas, and staff workspaces. A significant change involved making the basement floors active spaces by opening large gaps in the intermediate floors, allowing natural light from the glass ceiling to permeate throughout the building.

One of the renovation goals was space efficiency, achieved by increasing the multifunctionality and adaptability of the spaces and utilizing zone planning. The spaces can be flexibly divided according to the needs of different user groups, operating hours, and events. We also handled the interior design, focusing on respecting the original appearance, considering user perspectives and experiences, and ensuring adaptability. (01)

The primary goal of the library building renovation, completed in 1974, was to open the space for public use rather than just book storage. The most significant change was the activation of the basement levels.

Architectural

design and spatial planning lead: Merja Kiviranta, architect SAFA.

Toas Kauppi, Tampere

The eight-story wooden apartment building, which will house 70 students, was constructed using CLT (cross-laminated timber) modules. The goal was to combine high-quality wooden architecture with functional technical solutions. Maintenance considerations and the cost impacts of different options were central. The facade design emphasizes the building's monolithic form. A calm window arrangement creates a textured effect on the surface, and the straightforward horizontal cladding conceals the horizontal seams of the elements. New detailing was introduced to the vertical seams, and corner boards were replaced with metal cap strips.

The articulated facade design provides varying views from the apartments and gives the building a distinctive, recognizable character. The wooden floors are cantilevered over a concrete base floor. (02)

The facade cladding emphasizes the building's monolithic form. The calm window arrangement creates a textured effect on the surface.

Lead designer and chief architect: Ida Väänänen, architect SAFA.

Naistenlahti Power Plant, Tampere

The power plant is situated between the culturally significant Lapinniemi spa and the new Ranta-Tampella residential area. The vision was to uniquely highlight one part of the power plant, allowing other parts to recede into the background. The building is visible from afar as a clear and strong figure.

The facade changes with the time of day, playing with light and shadow. This was achieved using 3D facade elements up to eight meters high. The lighting highlights the impressive architecture in the evenings, while the three-dimensionality creates an impactful facade through natural light and shadow during the day. (03)

Lead designer and chief architect: Sergej von Bagh, architect SAFA.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Risto Huttunen and Santeri Lipasti

Huttunen-Lipasti Architects

Our firm was founded from the passion for design shared by partners Risto Huttunen and Santeri Lipasti. Thanks to our talented team, it has become an office known for quality and innovation. Our love for the craft is reflected in our desire to create environments that resonate and hold meaning for their users. This means crafting experiential and site-inspired architecture with deep roots. Whether in urban or furniture design, integrating seamlessly with the environment is paramount to us.

We believe in solid concepts and clarity in design. Good architecture can address complex needs and functions in surprisingly simple ways. Achieving a distilled final result is a significant motivator for us. We

emphasize understanding and using materials in their most natural way in our work. Today, we are a team of about 25 designers tackling various design tasks with collaboration grounded in humanity, honesty, and respect for the world around us. We seek to partner with the best in their fields. Our interest spans all types and scales of built environments. Over the years, we have won over twenty architecture competitions and received numerous other awards and recognitions. We enjoy competing regarding the quality of ideas and challenging ourselves with new tasks.

We want to highlight a couple of very different projects from our portfolio. One is a typical infill project on a very tight and challenging

01 Gullkronan, page 164 J 02 Aviapolis X, page 167

Photography: Tuomas Uusheimo and Marko Huttunen

site in a dense urban area. It is a residential building for the aging population, where residents live in a typical city block but can access all necessary services, including 24/7 care, as needed. The other is a temporary, multifunctional, and relocatable pavilion-like building where we could explore and develop new building solutions on a small scale.

Gullkronan, Helsinki

Gullkronan is a senior housing building, an infill project connected to the existing Folkhälsan building, Seniorhuset, on an exceptionally challenging site. The design is based on the project's winning proposal of an international architecture competition.

In the urban landscape, the building's undulating form creates interesting and dynamic outdoor spaces, breaking the large building into a more human scale. The building's folds define an urban entrance courtyard and a sheltered, bright garden courtyard. The massing considers views from

different approaches and responds to them. The monolithic muted yellow brick facade and recessed balconies continue the urban fabric of southern Mannerheimintie and highlight the building's sculptural nature.

The building contains 84 apartments. Most span the building's width, and the distinctive apartments at the building's corners and angled ends offer stunning long views of both the surrounding streetscape and Central Park.

An art competition was held for the project, won by artist Ville Andersson. His graphic plant-themed art is featured on every staircase on the walls and doors. The client provided Additional artwork, with a selection of paintings and sculptures placed in the building's public spaces. (01)

Project Leaders: Principal Architect: Risto Huttunen, Competition Phase Project Architect: Uula Kohonen, Implementation Phase Project Architect: Gunilla Björqkvist.

Aviapolis X, Helsinki

Located near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the design of the event space Aviopolis X was inspired by the area's aviation history, old aluminum-clad airplanes, multifunctional and adaptable use, and its location on a square at the intersection of transit routes.

In this small project, it was possible to simplify the idea into a straightforward and architecturally refined whole, which is significant in the urban environment beyond its size. The multifunctionality, spatial solid character, and integration with the

surrounding environment were key objectives in the pavilion's design. The client's Vantaa City's desire to promote new design solutions provided an opportunity to develop and test new ideas related to wood construction, circular economy, and green roofs. We integrated the idea of art facades from the competition phase into the project. The entire building appears as a large sculpture in its environment. The art facade piece, "Murmuration of Birds / Lintujen huminaa," was created by artist Villu Jaanisoo. (02)

Project Leaders: Principal Architect: Santeri Lipasti, Project Architect: Satoshi Ohtaki.

Project Designers:

Antti Lehto, Anna-Kaisa Aalto, Sami Heikkinen, Vesa Humalisto and Hanna Mattila

J www.inaro.fi

INARO

Our office was established in 2007 when we won our first architectural competition. Currently, INARO employs 16 architects and landscape architects. We aim to address the central challenge of the built environment: sustainability. INARO stands for Integrated Architecture Office, reflecting our commitment to holistic design. We integrate landscape, urban, and architectural design into a sustainable whole. Our work is always part of a broader context: urban and natural environments, culture, and society. In our projects, materials, spaces, and

vegetation create beloved places while considering the cycles of materials, carbon, and water. Careful planning is essential to foster residents' attachment and appreciation. We pay particular attention to design solutions that improve everyday life, such as the functionality and flexibility of building layouts, the comfort of urban spaces, and the clever design of shared areas.

The developer plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. One of our fundamental principles is to encourage and guide our clients toward sustainable solutions.

Photography: Mika Huisman and Anna-Kaisa Aalto

Community House

Postivarikko, Helsinki

Postivarikko is a community house located in Northern Pasila. It is based on our winning entry in a plot allocation competition for two residential blocks and a shared building. Postivarikko encapsulates many of our office's core design principles: low carbon footprint, resident-centric approach, and seamlessly integrated landscape architecture.

The building combines the shared spaces of the Postipuisto area's residential buildings into a large, multifunctional community space. The main structure comprises prefabricated wooden elements in both the walls and the roof.

Achieving an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable result required extensive collaboration between designers and the client, as the visually prominent building had a relatively tight construction budget. Postivarikko was developed in collaboration with the local housing associations to meet the residents' needs. Currently, the building houses fitness and exercise rooms, a multipurpose room, a woodworking workshop, and a café. Residents are expected to shape the spaces within the five "boxes" over the decades.

Our office's landscape architects designed Postivarikko's immediate surroundings. The building is surrounded by miniature gardens that continue the theme of Postivarikko, creating various places in its vicinity. Rainwater freely drips through a sculptural water feature into a stormwater depression bordering the square.

A particularly popular spot is the corner under the extended eave of the exercise hall and café, where people can be seen lounging on fixed wooden benches in the afternoon sun and during rainy days.

The community house opens towards Rullakkotori, with its outdoor spaces visually and functionally extending into the building.

Lead Designer of the Project:

Janne Jylkäs

J www.jylkasarkkitehdit.fi

Jylkäs Architects

The architectural office was founded by Janne Jylkäs in 2017 in Espoo. The firm specializes in residential design, ranging from unique private houses to apartment buildings and housing cooperatives. It also engages in project and zoning development as well as commercial and office building design.

Our design philosophy always considers the construction site and its conditions, striving to respect the location's natural and cultural values. We aim to maximize the dialogue between the building and its surrounding landscape, nature, or urban structure, taking into account the client's wishes. The spaces' functionality, furnishability, and practicality are essential aspects of our design process. In designing buildings, we consider protecting structural elements from weather conditions such as rain and heat from the sun. Most of our designs are wooden structures, but we also work with various materials, including thermally-insulated blocks, CLT,

and concrete. Using different materials, we promote climate-friendly construction and aim to create warmth and comfort for the building's users. The chosen material significantly influences the architecture and design process as we strive to utilize the properties of each material fully.

Our firm's signature is evident in various aspects of the overall design of single-family homes. The most significant element for the client is functional and practical space planning. With a Scandinavian style, the interaction between the spaces and their surroundings is strongly present. The spaces open to nature and the environment in all directions. Architectural features protect large window surfaces from the sun with overhangs, while the north side is left without overhangs. Towards the street, terracing and decks protect the interiors from views, ensuring the privacy of the homes despite large windows.

Visualisoinnit: Jylkäs Arkkitedit and Studio Heikura

Single-Family House, Kattilalaakso, Espoo

A stepped stone house is being constructed across three levels on a sloping site in Kattilalaakso, Espoo. The site's unique environment and elevation changes provide a unique opportunity for the placement and terracing of the building. The client's vision and high-quality execution inspired the design of the building. The building is terraced into the slope, so the lowest level leads directly to the basement garage. The upper third level, or the second living floor,

opens onto a terrace leading directly into nature, with an untouched rocky landscape and park area. The spa area and cozy fireplace room open onto this rocky landscape, with a terrace in front blending the building seamlessly with the rock. The living room, dining area, and kitchen on the upper floor open through large glass surfaces towards the lower slope, providing views across the entire residential area. The surrounding terraces offer privacy from the street while allowing residents to enjoy the views from outdoor spaces. There are living spaces and terraces facing different directions to follow the day.

We strive to maximize the building's dialogue with the surrounding landscape, nature, or urban structure, taking into account the client's wishes.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Joona Koskelo and Laura Sorri

J www.lukkaroinen.fi

Lukkaroinen Architects

Founded in 1980 by architect Pekka Lukkaroinen, our firm has grown into a national architecture and interior design company with over a hundred professionals. Our multidisciplinary and skilled team covers a wide range of services in architecture, interior architecture, and urban planning. Our expertise includes diverse projects, from new construction to renovation and adaptive reuse. We aim to create a functional, sustainable, and beautiful architecture where aesthetics and practicality blend seamlessly. We focus strongly on sustainable development and design to ensure that the solutions we create meet the expectations of future generations.

J 01 Lumit Art High School, page 188 J 02 Pudasjärvi Wellness Center "Pirtti", page 191

Photography: Aukusti Heinonen and Raimo Ahonen

Lumit Art High School, Kuopio

Lumit is a specialized high school for 600 students, focusing on music, dance, and performing arts. The design for the art high school is based on the winning entry of the Kuopionlahti waterfront area architectural competition.

In collaboration with VSU Landscape Architects, the proposal includes new buildings for the art high school and a hotel-congress center alongside the music center in a monumental row next to an active park square. The area will become a city cultural center where the built environment and nature unite.

The design area is of significant urban importance, serving as the gateway to Kuopio's city center from the south. The layered building stock includes notable public buildings from the 1800s and 1900s and residential and commercial buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The appearance of the art high school honors traditional Kuopio features: alleyways and lake views. A clear base structure opens through a wooden entrance to the adjacent park square. Above the base is the top floor, where the glass facade allows students to see the park and Kuopionlahti. The life of the cultural building can be sensed from the surrounding streets and squares. At the heart of the interior is a multi directional performance stage, visible from the dining area, auditorium steps, and gymnasium.

The teaching spaces are arranged around an atrium above the auditorium steps in a hierarchical zonal layout, with open group workspaces near the lobby and quieter areas requiring concentration on the outer edges of each floor. The combination of wood and concrete is central to the interior design. Wood is used in various forms alongside the rough concrete throughout the interior. The color palette's essential elements are pure white, dramatic black, and metallic champagne hues, with only a hint of brighter accent colors. This neutral and nature-inspired coloring leaves ample space for the students' art. (01)

Team: Joona Koskelo, Chief Designer; Petri Pettersson, Project Architect; Kati Kaukonen, Chief Interior Architect; Architects Okko Saurama, Simo Rasmussen; and Interior Architect Nina Keinänen.

We aim to create a functional, sustainable, and beautiful architecture where aesthetics and practicality blend seamlessly.

Pudasjärvi Wellness Center "Pirtti"

The Wellness Center Pirtti is part of a unique log construction complex in Pudasjärvi. Pirtti serves as a service center and a community living room for the residents.

The multifunctional building houses a library, youth facilities, social and health services, and an employment unit. It includes an auditorium, reservable meeting rooms for citizens, a café, and commercial space.

The mass of the predominantly twostory building is divided into wings, fitting the scale of its surroundings.

The roof design gives the building a distinctive look and brings natural light into its central areas. The facades alternate between massive log walls and large glass surfaces, through which the building's most public functions open invitingly outward.

The beautiful nature of Pudasjärvi and its different seasons inspired the interior design. Log and wood surfaces are essential elements in the building. They are complemented by nature-inspired patterns and muted colors that create a warm, wellness-promoting atmosphere.

The design process involved close collaboration with the users. Custom-made, user-centered furniture was designed with practicality, accessibility, and aesthetics in mind. Art is prominently featured from the entrance throughout the building. (02)

Team: Laura Sorri, Chief Designer; Diana Lavric, Chief Interior Designer; Architects Kristiina Heikura, Johanna Kalliainen, Mikko Alatarvas, Pirkko Kukkurainen; Interior Architects Heidi Kurttio, Liina Yasin; and Assistant Designer Päivi Juvonen.

Future-oriented design firm MUUAN designs comprehensive sustainable areas, buildings, spaces, and communities with an understanding of human needs. The firm works on areas, buildings, and spaces of varying scales and provides insights into the future through studies and research projects. MUUAN's projects combine multidisciplinary expertise from urban planning to architecture, strategic planning to area branding, and service design to concept planning.

Over the coming decades, the overall concept for the rapidly developing Aninkainen area in Turku will gather, conceptualize, and visualize the area's future. J www.muuan.fi

J 01 Alavus City Center Development, page 196

J 02 Kaijonharju Daycare, page 198

J 03 Casino Tampere, page 200

Photography: Marc Goodwin and Ville Vappula

Alavus City Center Development

In 2022, MUUAN created a strategic urban development plan for Alavus. The plan aims to strengthen the vitality of the city center, improve accessibility, unify the cityscape, and highlight Kirkkojärvi as part of the urban landscape.

The plan includes densifying the city blocks, enhancing walking and cycling paths, and improving business, leisure, and tourism opportunities.

The future Kuulanraitti walking and cycling route will feature an event square and a new Service Block.

The Service Block, central to the development plan, will house the city's cultural and office spaces, as well as healthcare services. Its clear architecture and gable roofs reference traditional buildings characteristic of the area. The building's green wooden facades blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

On the ground floor, a new library will open onto the event square, along with a café, information desk, and lobby services. The cultural event hall and conference center will be above the library, with city offices on the upper floors. The building design was carried out in collaboration with Architect Office HKP. (01)

Design Team: Tiina Antinoja, Tuulikki Tanska, Tiina Paasonen, Oskari Lumikari, Anna Wawrzyniak, Alice Mattila, Mervi Karvinen, Venla Tiainen, Riina Rönnberg, Pekka Leskelä, Ami Oja, Kirsti Maaret Pesari. City Center Development Plan Design Team: Olli Metso, Aura Pajamo, Oskari Lumikari, Anna Wawrzyniak, Jens Regårdh.

One of the key features is the extensive use of wood in interior and exterior spaces, considering northern weather and light conditions.

Kaijonharju Daycare, Oulu

Completed at the end of 2023, Kaijonharju Daycare is a wooden, low-carbon, and toxin-free daycare center for the future. A unique feature is the extensive use of wood in interior and exterior spaces, considering northern weather and light conditions. The main structural material is CLT. All interior materials meet the requirements of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

The building's center features a bright dining area connected to a sheltered outdoor play area under a canopy. Children's group rooms are positioned on the best side facing the yard.

The color scheme includes wood tones, ochre, red clay, lichen, and calming gray. The loose furnishings and playground equipment reflect the nature theme and toxin-free materials. (02)

Design Team: Tiina Antinoja, Olli Metso, Aleksi Rastas, Tuulikki Tanska, Xiaoyu Chen, Anna Wawrzyniak, Tytti Kaattari, Alice Mattila, Venla Tiainen.

Casino Tampere

Experience and spatial design interplay created an entirely new casino destination.

Casino Tampere is a versatile entertainment venue for adults that aligns closely with Nokia Arena's event rhythm. Events at the arena continue seamlessly onto the casino screens. The casino's architecture is modern and distinctly Finnish. The bright and green "Virta" connects all casino functions and features wooden construction, smart lighting, and digital signage solutions. Seven different gaming areas are planned along the Virta.

Casino Tampere, designed in collaboration with design office Amerikka, won the World's Best New Casino award in 2022. (03)

Design Team: Tuulikki Tanska, Aleksi Rastas, Teemu Nojonen, Alice Mattila, Laura Lampo, Mervi Karvinen, Oona Airas, Tiina Antinoja, Xiaoyu Chen, Anna Wawrzyniak, Jussi Salmivuori, Oskari Lumikari, Mikko Lahti, Tytti Kaattari, Tomi Jokinen, Topi Vallarén.

Our multidisciplinary, international team includes urban planners, architects, service designers, concept designers, brand builders, interior architects, and BIM experts.

Lead Designers of the Projects:

Tuomas Silvennoinen, Pekka Komulainen*, Leena Komulainen*, Pekka Mäkelä, Mariitta Helineva and Arttu Suomalainen

Komulainen Arkkitehdit

PES-Architects

J 01 Villa Bumeran, page 204

J 02 Courthouse, page 206

J 03 OP Group's Innovation Center, page 208

J 04 Finnoo and Kaitaa Metro Stations, page 210 J www.pesark.com

PES-Architects is an award-winning architectural and design firm with approximately 70 designers of over ten nationalities. The firm's headquarters are in Helsinki, and its studio is in Shanghai, China. Our projects often involve large public buildings and transportation terminals, but we are equally inspired by challenges of all sizes, including high-quality private residences and demanding renovation projects. We aim to design architecture that fosters interaction between people and cultures. We create spaces where the harmony of form and function ensures sustainable, human-centered solutions for the future. Our interior design team also undertakes independent interior projects, especially for office spaces and related workplace design.

Photography: Marc Goodwin, Toni Pallari and Kari Pasila

The villa's architectural form echoes the elegant curvature of a boomerang. Living spaces blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious connection between the two dimensions. The wooden villa comprises three distinct areas: the main living area, sauna, and guest room, all connected by a wide, curved terrace. The materials used create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior design was done in collaboration with interior designer Esko Saarenoja. The villa was featured in the second season of the Grand Designs Finland television series. (01)

Lead Designer: Tuomas Silvennoinen

Villa Bumeran - Log Villa, Kirkkonummi

In the building, high-quality and durable natural materials combine with a design that emphasizes the dignity of the courthouse.

Courthouse, Oulu

The Oulu Courthouse, a collaboration between PES-Arkkitehdit and Komulainen Arkkitehdit, includes a new building and renovating an existing structure. The courthouse now houses courts, offices, and customer service areas under one roof. PES-Arkkitehdit was responsible for the facade design and interior and furniture design. The spaces emphasize quality, acoustics, and sound insulation, supporting new

working methods and digitalization, including electronic trials. The building combines high-quality and durable natural materials with a design that highlights the courthouse's dignity. The exterior is clad in granite and plastered brick, while the interiors feature warm and calming wooden surfaces. (02)

Designers: PES-Arkkitehdit and Komulainen Arkkitehdit, Lead Designers: Pekka Komulainen, Leena Komulainen, and Tuomas Silvennoinen.

OP Group's Innovation and Training Center, Helsinki

The wooden structure in Helsinki's Kuusisaari is an inspiring, nature-centric venue for events, workshops, and training. The spatial solutions, structures, and understated, timeless architecture are designed to endure technically and visually. The two-story building is located on a wooded slope, appearing as a single-story structure from the street, blending seamlessly with the landscape. The interior is bright and spacious, with windows

and terraces opening to the garden or sea, while solid wooden walls on the sides facing neighboring plots provide privacy. The primary building material is wood, with facades clad in spruce panels and slats. The interiors feature ash ceilings and parquet floors, with black window frames and veneer walls creating contrast. Art and design from the client's collection are displayed throughout. (03)

Designers: Tuomas Silvennoinen (Lead Designer), Pekka Mäkelä, and Mariitta Helineva.

Finnoo and Kaitaa Metro Stations, Espoo

Finnoo and Kaitaa stations are located in new and developing areas, becoming new transportation hubs and landmarks. Finnoo Station references the nearby coastline, unique wetland, and flying squirrel grove. The entrance buildings' metal cladding and glass surfaces feature graphic depictions of wetland vegetation, which are also mirrored on the interior glass surfaces. The platform hall is asymmetrical, with wavy metal cladding on the upper part of the south wall, symbolizing the sea and coastline. The north wall features Leena Nio's artwork "Haavekuvia," cut into aluminum panels and resembles lace patterns inspired by maritime nature. Residential apartment blocks will eventually surround Kaitaa Station's main entrance. The station's design theme reflects urban planning: "green courtyard blocks." This is evident in the station's exterior cladding and ceiling panels, symbolizing tree canopies. The interior concrete surfaces reflect the sturdy tree trunks. The platform is surrounded by Antti Tanttu's artwork "Juurtuminen." (04)

Lead Designer: Arttu Suomalainen

Architecture Photographers

Mentioned in the Book

Aki Loponen www.pictuner.fi

Anders Portman www.kuvio.com

Aukusti Heinonen www.aukustiheinonen.com

Hannu Rytky www.hannurytkyphotography.com

Kalle Kouhia www.kallekouhia.fi

Kari Palsila www.karipalsila.fi

Marc Goodwin www.archmospheres.com

Marko Kallio www.skyfox.fi

Martin Sommerschield www.kuvio.com

Martti Järvi www.marttijarvi.com

Mika Huisman www.decopic.com

Mikko Ala-Peijari www.photocom.fi

Outi Aalto www.aaltophotography.fi

Raimo Ahonen www.raimoahonen.photodeck.com

Sami Saastamoinen www.samisaastamoinen.com

Timo Arbeiter www.artimo.ee

Toni Pallari www.tonipallari.com

Tuomas Uusheimo www.uusheimo.com

Vesa Voitto Sakari www.vesavoittosakari.com

Ville Vappula www.villevappula.com

Wellu Hämäläinen www.welluhamalainen.com

The second part of the FinnArc book series showcases the plans produced by Finnish architectural firms in the form of images and stories of completed projects. The book offers a light overview of contemporary Finnish architecture. The recent design works of architectural firms and their own stories form the essential content of the book. We also provide an overview of wood architecture, a rising trend whose ecological and sustainable development creates an interesting design environment from an architectural perspective. Therefore, we have included this topic in the book’s content. Industry experts share their insights on the future significance of wood architecture and wood construction.