Steven Holl Architects, in collaboration with Newil&Bau, has opened a new multifamily development in Finland's capital called Meander Housing. The September 12th inauguration marks the end of a journey that first began in 2006 and underwent a period of dormancy before being constructed in just 2.5 years.
Helsinki’s Taivallahti Bay provides the backdrop to the 115-unit building that was recuperated from a former military barracks in the city’s Taka-Töölö district.
Holl designed the project as though building equivalent to a musical crescendo, with its 180 meter (591 foot) central volume tapering in section oriented to the ocean and fluctuating at various heights between two and seven floors.
Accordingly, it weaves or 'meanders' along a stem-winding path interspersed with strategically placed landscaped voids and wrapped in a glazed enclosure.
The wood materials used in its construction were local sources, most notably the spruce used in its exterior cladding. Holl’s studio has said this combination works to present its facade like a mimicked wooden ship-in-bottle. The building is also designed to glow at night, acting as if it were a giant "ice sculpture" with balconies and silkscreen prints from artist Fanny Tavastila for each unit.
Holl’s interest in what he calls the "experiential dimension of material and detail" can be seen in the custom-made fixtures, flooring, and door handles. Holl also hand-designed a special cast dog bowl for non-human users to echo the building’s form. The program also included a small 12-seat cinema, wine cellar, and sauna. A walkable green roof and PV array finally combine with rainwater collection and 16 geothermal wells to grant the design a reduced carbon footprint and sustainable character.
This is Holl’s second project in the country after the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, which was completed in 1997. Holl says it offers a 50% carbon reduction versus a traditional building.
Last month, Partner Roberto Bannura sat down with Archinect along with other leaders from Safdie Architects and Mecanoo for our feature about architectural practices pursuing international work.
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