The most significant development in the history of this urban block was the construction of sports and workshop facilities in the yard behind Liisankatu 14, starting in the early 1920s. The oldest part, a tennis hall and workshop with an arched roof (Frosterus & Gripenberg), represents a utilitarian architectural style that has been altered and expanded over time, losing much of its original character. The main building on the property, designed by Kaarlo Borg, was completed in 1929, following the tennis halls. The early-functionalist main building was later modified in the late 1990s when its rooftop terrace was replaced with sauna facilities. From 1945, the tennis halls were used as studios for filming over a hundred feature films and several television productions, before being converted back into a sports venue in 1963.

Following recent development, the plot now includes approximately 1,600 square meters of additional floor area, with 45 new small rental units. The outdoor space has been opened up, benefiting the entire block. The two new buildings are of moderate height, and their placement, along with the folded roof forms, enhances the sense of openness in the courtyard. New access routes between the properties are pending agreements between the housing companies that own the various buildings in the block. A large, ground-planted tree specified in the detailed plan is situated in an earth space within the parking garage beneath the building.

The inclusion of corner balconies in the rendered facade preserves the integrity of the building’s components and adds variation to the form of the small dwelling units. The brick surfaces reference the neighboring property’s fire wall. The irregular rhythm of the windows is characteristic of a style of residential exterior architecture that has been dominant in Finland for several decades. This design approach has become the standard in the country. For the infill development on Liisankatu, this arrangement is a fitting and contextually appropriate choice, even though it contrasts with the traditional, modest backyard buildings where asymmetrical compositions often prioritize the interior spaces over the outward appearance.

The new buildings on Liisankatu reflect mid-2010s architectural trends. While the draft plan has remained largely unchanged, the final design features more intricate detailing and added band courses, giving the elevations a more textured appearance.

Source: Juha Ilonen’s review in Finnish Architectural Review 3/2023