Builder: T2H
2022–
The development theme of the Solar Energy Building is innovative energy solutions to make housing more affordable.
This project is the first apartment building that utilises solar energy in a completely new way: the energy produced by the solar power plant can be used directly from residential outlets, for the property’s electricity consumption, and for charging electric cars, for example.
In addition, the housing company has only one shared electricity contract, which means that each resident does not need their own contract and will save on base monthly fees. It is possible to sell the surplus energy produced by the solar power plant back to the power grid and receive income for the housing company. This means that housing will become more affordable.
Developer: Yrjö ja Hanna -säätiö (Yrjö and Hanna Foundation)
Architect: Ark-house Arkkitehdit Oy
Partners: YIT Suomi Oy, A-Insinöörit (AINS Group), Wienerberger Finland
Jätkäsaari
2024–2027
The Circular City Village is a community-oriented apartment block that will be designed, built and inhabited in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. The Yrjö and Hanna Foundation section of the circular economy block will be built using low-carbon concrete elements with sustainable life-cycles. Material choices take into account emissions and the share of recycled raw materials, as well as the recyclability of materials at the end of their life cycle.
The community-oriented circular economy block will be implemented with ARA’s 40-year interest subsidy. Half of the plot will be used to build ARA right-of-occupancy housing, and these apartments are aimed at people of all ages. The other half of the plot will be used for senior rental housing. The circular economy block will be diverse: a communal city block that connects people of different ages and generations.
In the Re-thinking Urban Housing Programme, the development themes are circular economy during construction, as well as affordable and repeatable circular economy solutions.
Developer and builder: Rakennusteho
Designer: INARO
Design and implementation of timber structures: Kontiotuote Oy
This project aims to promote the adoption of wood hybrid structures, explore new solutions for infill construction and create a new kind of timber architecture without compromising on high-quality housing design. This modern timber building will create an attractive and distinctive feature in Helsinki’s cityscape.
An important starting point for the project is to create a new look for mass timber architecture by employing contemporary architecture. The Kontio Block is a timber-concrete hybrid structure that has a reinforced concrete frame as the load-bearing and reinforcing core. The laminated timber logs in the exterior walls bear only their own weight from the full height of the structure down to the foundation. The hybrid structure allows the best features of various materials to be utilised. In this way, the visual presence of wood is possible both in the cityscape and inside the apartments.
The architectural design has taken into account the characteristics of the Oulunkylä area and the urban landscape, creating a separate street-level floor for the commercial spaces and common areas, with visually striking entrances and openings that stand out from the rest of the building. The pitched-roof structure is simple, but the details of the wood and timber architecture make it stand out from its surroundings.
All apartments are open in two directions, and they have high windows and a spacious corner balcony, which makes them bright. The design of the apartments also takes into account future modification needs. Large apartments can be divided into smaller apartments.
Developer: Kojamo Oyj and SSR Uusimaa Oy
Partners: Optiplan Oy, Insinööritoimisto Helsingin Projektisusuunnittelu Oy
Laajasalo, Gunillantie
2019–
In 2016, the City of Helsinki held the Affordable Apartment Building competition, which was a call for applications and negotiations aimed at finding new solutions for affordable housing.
The competition resulted in the selection of developers for two apartment blocks, Kivikko and Laajasalo. The project aims to give construction industry operators the opportunity to demonstrate solutions for delivering affordable housing through real-world projects.
Developer: A-Kruunu Oy
A-Kruunu’s Laskos aims to provide exceptionally high-quality housing at affordable prices through both innovative new design solutions and tried and tested old ones. The focus is on the residents’ housing experience and perspective. These are some of the ways in which the unique features of living in Laskos are reflected:
- Only three or four apartments per floor are placed around the stairwell, which keeps the stairwells calm and allows the apartments to have central entrances. This also allows for the possibility of several dual-aspect apartments.
- Thanks to the stepped facade, all apartments feature a west-facing recessed balcony with views of the evening sun and windows facing at least two directions.
The apartments have spacious general-purpose rooms, and even the smallest apartments have separate bedrooms that can accommodate a double bed. - In family apartments, a circular floor plan provides privacy and alternative routes. There is also a dedicated space for cooking, which makes the living area more relaxing.
- On the ground floor, the multifunctional and community-oriented common area extends from the street side to the yard connects the stairwells and is suitable for remote work, gatherings and play.
- The common areas can be expanded and opened to the outdoors when weather permits. A semi-warm conservatory enriches the courtyard area and serves as an extension of the outdoor terrace and sauna facilities.
In addition to these, the design of Laskos has explored new solutions for lighting and fixed furniture, for example. The building of 37 apartments consists of one-, five- and eight-storey sections. The building’s visual appearance is reminiscent of the ribbon window design used in the Malmi Airport building. Ribbon windows increase the open views and brightness inside the apartments.
Lahdelma & Mahlamäki architects were responsible for Laskos’ design, with the help of a team consisting of architect and postdoctoral researcher Jyrki Tarpio and interior design agency Silvana. In addition to the client’s representatives, A-Insinöörit Oy participated in cost control and the technical feasibility assessment of the project.
Builder: Oulun Rakennusteho
Partner: NERVIN arkkitehtuuri Oy
The Apartment Building for Changing Lives project is a solid-brick, closed block of apartments to be built at the corner of the entrance to Jätkäsaari’s Melkinlaituri, offering a variety of housing solutions for different life situations and associated changes. The themes of this Re-thinking Urban Housing project are the adaptability of housing and the adaptability of the entire building in the cityscape. This block of approximately 100 apartments is divided into two plots, one of which will have unregulated owner-occupied apartments and the other HITAS1-regulated, owner-occupied apartments.
The block utilises several different principles of adaptability within one residential block. Its ‘single-room apartments’, a series of rooms without a designated use around a central space, allow for the transformation of their functions and communal living. These single-room apartments with two entrances allow some of the space to be used as a secondary unit. The ‘loft apartments’ on the top floor are open and leave the division and furnishing of the space to the discretion of the residents.
The plan is based on ‘Domus’, the winning proposal of the Asuntoreformi Helsinki (Housing Reform Helsinki) 2020 competition organised by the City of Helsinki in 2019. The Housing Reform Helsinki 2020 competition was an architectural and idea competition aimed at reforming the prevailing practices in housing design and increasing the diversity of housing production and supply for residents.
Builders: SSA Oy and Cubesta Oy
Oulunkylä, plots 28141-6/7 and 28135-1
In planning
The Wooden Apartment Building of the Future will involve the construction of three different types of wooden apartment blocks: a building with a mass timber frame, a building with a hybrid structure (concrete + mass timber) and another hybrid structure (concrete + wood-frame elements).
The project aims to find ways to promote the use of wood in apartment building construction. It also aims to investigate the significance of using wood in the decision to purchase an apartment, as well as other factors that make using wood in housing construction attractive. Another goal is to develop wood construction from a business perspective. The project will also examine how the use of wood in different parts of the building affects construction costs. The project will provide essential information about promoting the use of wood in apartment building construction in terms of consumer preferences, costs, the amount of visible wood and fire safety. The comparison will be made during planning, construction and the first year of occupancy, which will ensure that results are obtained in a controlled and precisely defined timeframe. The research data obtained will be tangible and highly comparable.
The project will involve the construction of three apartment buildings, similar in layout and urban landscape features but with different structural systems, each incorporating wood in a different role. Comparing these brings much-needed market experience and cost information on the use of wood in apartment building construction. The project will compare the three apartment buildings, each implemented in different ways, during planning, pre-marketing, construction and the first year of occupancy. Resident surveys will be carried out before apartments are purchased and in connection with annual repairs. When this project comes to an end, the aim is to follow up with a new project in Helsinki using the best proven construction method, which utilises the lessons learned from the project and consumer feedback.
Builder: Marvea Oy
The background to this development project involves creating adaptable and sustainable urban housing. The VARIO housing concept enables residents to easily adapt their homes to changing life situations, emphasising environmental friendlness, ecological sustainability and modern energy-efficient technologies.
In the VARIO concept, each apartment includes a multifunctional space that can easily be adapted to the changing needs of residents without renovation. It is a compact space that allows occupants to easily customise their homes according to their changing lifestyle or life situation. For example, combining remote work and personal life under the same roof is easy, if necessary, as a peaceful workspace can be easily created in this multifunctional space. And when circumstances change, the multifunctional space easily transforms into a sleeping, hobby, play, pet or dining area.
In addition, the design emphasises high-quality and environmentally friendly solutions, such as large windows and energy-efficient technologies, as well as common areas that foster a sense of community and privacy for residents.
Planning: MUUAN OY
Developers: Varte Oy and the Yrjö and Hanna Foundation
Builder: Varte Oy
Construction period: 2023–
The Veranda House project is based on the winning proposal of the Housing Reform Helsinki 2020 competition, which was prepared by MUUAN Oy in 2018. The competition was organised by the City of Helsinki, the Ministry of the Environment, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA). It explored future housing solutions for the selected plot.
The winning project developed urban apartment housing through the themes of family living and the characteristics of detached homes in the regeneration of the Meri-Rastila area. The apartments were designed to open up in several directions, and the needs of families were taken into account with adaptability and spatial planning. Based on this competition, a detailed plan has been drawn up for plot 54246/1, which is located in the eastern part of Meri-Rastila.
Veranda House is a new type of building typology that diversifies apartments by integrating spaces traditionally associated with detached homes into them. The entrance to the apartment is from the stairwell into a heated veranda area, which is a mediating space between a public stairwell and a private apartment. The veranda provides access to the balcony and the apartment itself. The veranda is equipped with storage space and can be used to store prams and pushchairs, assistive devices or even bicycles. Rain pants, rubber boots and sand toys can be conveniently stored on the way home in a storage room with durable surfaces that can withstand heavy wear and tear. Having a storage room attached to the apartment makes everyday life easier and reduces the risk of vandalism. The veranda space is designed as a multifunctional space that residents can use as they wish. The space can serve as a remote work area, playroom, greenhouse, hobby room or even a home office meeting space. The room is flexible according to resident needs and creates flexibility in everyday life. The detailed plan for the plot requires a veranda space for at least half of the apartments on the plot.
The project will include ARA-subsidised housing and owner-occupied apartments. The apartment mix is diverse, from small apartments to larger family apartments.
Developer and builder: SSA Rakennus
Designer: Avarrus Arkkitehdit
Location: Haaga, Steniuksentie 14
Start time: 2024–
SSA Rakennus is bringing the QIVA concept to market, which combines the ease of apartment living with the flexibility and freedom of choice associated with detached housing. The ‘Individual and flexible housing’ project planned for Haaga’s Steniuksentie redefines the concept of living in an apartment building.
The essence of the concept lies in adaptability, which takes into account the entire life cycle of the building. Thanks to participatory housing design, future residents can customise their apartments to suit their needs by choosing their desired floor, layout and features.
The innovative structural system in these new buildings will not only enable versatile floor plans, but also the free placement of wet areas and kitchens between apartments and floors. The innovative structural system enables easy space modifications, building technology renovations and even changes in use. Residents do not need to move elsewhere due to changing needs, but the building adapts to changes in their lives.
The project also includes the renovation and conversion of the old school building on the plot to residential use. This renovated building will take advantage of the QIVA concept’s participatory design and adaptability while respecting the building’s historical spirit. The old school’s assembly hall will be at the disposal of the entire housing company, creating a wonderful communal space for residents.
The concept offers its residents flexibility and individuality while respecting the environment and historical buildings.
Developer: Keskuskodit
Kalasatama
2020–
This project aims to create an operating model that achieves a completely carbon-neutral block in terms of energy use. Carbon footprint neutralisation will be achieved through a new service model complemented by energy-efficient building solutions that have been optimised for it.
The new model of cooperation between the involved parties covers the project development phase, the construction phase and the post-construction phase. This is a unique cooperation model between the project consortium, the energy company and housing companies.
The project will implement a unique communal green roof space, which will also serve as a renewable electricity generator thanks to transparent photovoltaic glass. The project also aims to verify the potential of using thermal energy piles in carbon-neutral service production.
In addition to high-quality housing, the goal is to provide residents with lower housing costs through affordable construction and reduced electricity costs. In addition to reducing the property’s consumption, locally produced solar power will be utilised to reduce the electricity costs for residents using the Virtual Battery service.
Development themes of the Re-thinking Urban Housing project:
- Carbon neutralisation of the block with a new service model
- Combining thermal energy piles and electricity-generating photovoltaic glass with carbon neutralisation
- Electricity-generating communal green roof space
