Katajanokka Housing
Info from Arkkitehdit NRT



Housing area is situated in Katajanokka, Helsinki next to the sea. Residence floor plans are straightforward and systematic, thus making serial-customizing easy. Large windows and views across residence makes them lightful and open up good views. Bay windows provide glazing also on the sides, thus widening views. Window lay-out is flexible in design-phase and allows changes in inner wall positions later.

Glazed bay-windows are multi-purpose. By adding an extra glass wall separating from the living room, one can use it as a glass-house for plants year round. In the summertime large windows can be opened thus making the bay-space a protected balcony. Penthouse flats provide spatial quality and exceptionally good views. Fireplace can be built in most residences. Wood-heated saunas can be built on penthouse flats.



Garden
Garden has been designed as an urban oasis. It is outlined by streetline as well as by grid of lamp-posts along with four free-form vegetation islands. Additional elements include movable play-carriages and “docks” connected to first floor apartments. Structures and materials Street elevations are red brics layed out in-situ. Courtyard elevations are of light plaster. Top-floor elevations are colourful steel and wood panels. Large punched canopy is of steel. Car-parking is underground.

KATAJANOKKA HOUSING
Mastokatu, Helsinki, Finland

CLIENT: YIT Corporation
Housing area consisting of 145 apartments
Floor surface area 13 000 m2
Planning started Spring 2004
First prize in invitational architectural competition in 2003
Construction completed in March 2007

Other examples of Finnish Architecture welcome



Finnish Architects

Finnish Housing - architects : Arkkitehdit NRT Oy

World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

Finland Buildings - main page



Helsinki Buildings

Finnish Architect - Alvar Aalto

Buildings / photos for the Finnish Architecture page welcome: info@e-architect.co.uk

Katajanokka Architecture - page : adrian welch / isabelle lomholt