Kaarlenkatu housing
Background: direct commission
Type: building design
Client: Rakennusliike Lapti Oy
Status: completed 2023
Timeline: 2020–2022
Location: Kallio, Helsinki, Finland
Scope of project: 2,850 m² housing, 150 m² commercial
Team: Antti Lehto (principal designer), Emilia Ellilä (leading architect), Daniel Reini, Antti Haataja, Timo Paananen
Photography: Martin Sommerschield and Anders Portman / Kuvio Oy, Daniel Reini
The architecture draws on the dignity and warmth of the old residential buildings of Kallio district in Helsinki, Finland.
Location
The new apartment building on Kaarlenkatu is located right in the heart of Helsinki, in the Kallio district. The new building is located in a diverse urban environment that has undergone many changes over time.
Urban coherence
The building complements the existing architecture of the 20th stone-built residential buildings, which are characteristic for the city district. The monolithic, lightly sanded pre-cast concrete used on the ground floor is a contemporary take on the distinctive natural stone walls that characterise this area. The facade detailing serves as a fire break in line with local building regulations, allowing for the addition of larger, openable windows.
Carefully proportioned elevations and details
Spacious balconies can be furnished in many different ways. The glazing creates a weather-protected interior-like space, while the cantilever balcony enables the placement of plants and lighter furniture.
The rear elevations reflect a less prescribed approach, typical of other residential buildings in this neighbourhood. The vertical elements take their cue from surrounding architecture, while the roof lines are characterised by greater sense of freedom and diversity
Light and spaciousness
The living room and kitchen area are free of bearing structures and may be opened into outdoor space through sliding glass walls.
Uniikeissa ullakkoasunnoissa kahden kerroksen korkuiset oleskelutilat luovat erityistä tunnelmaa.
Top floor common space
Conservatory and balcony complement the sauna department.
