Architect
Playa Architects
Completion
2020
Gross area
9770 m²
Category
Residential buildings
Tags
block of flats brick stone
A tall metallic portico leads from the street into the courtyard, which is encircled by a uniform grid of balconies. The glazing is recessed into a red concrete frame, creating a striking contrast. Playa Architects’ design for this rental apartment building reflects influences from Central European architecture, particularly Berlin, seen in the curtains of the shared rooftop terrace and balcony designs. Curtains behind the glazing add variety to the grid and enhance the building’s overall appearance.

The courtyard includes a red-concrete bicycle shed partially covered with creepers, and, unlike many new buildings, it is laid out on natural ground, allowing for the growth of leafy trees and plants. The landscape, designed by Byman & Ruokonen Landscape Architects, creates a setting that changes with the seasons. Green spaces are expected to mature over time. Some ground-floor flats open directly onto the courtyard, adding activity to the area, while a notable gable-end flat features a 10-meter-wide balcony, partly obscuring the storage facility wall.

The stairwells are naturally lit and spacious, with pram storage and residents’ cubicles fitted with glass doors, a feature also seen in some of architect Tuukka Vuori’s earlier projects. Even traditionally windowless lockups have windows, improving the usability of these spaces.

The apartments range from studio flats, mostly over 30 square meters, to various two-room configurations, including some with “Norwegian bedrooms” offering dual access to the kitchen-living area. Many smaller apartments have balconies spanning the width of the unit, providing practical outdoor space, while protruding balconies on the exterior can accommodate small furniture. Residents also have access to a shared terrace with views over the courtyard and neighboring areas.

Family apartments face multiple directions or extend through the building, with layouts maximizing the relatively deep structure. Some designs include a kitchen connected to a bedroom, recalling older Finnish housing configurations and offering practical solutions for families or early risers.

Source: summary of Tarja Nurmi’s review in Finnish Architectural Review 4/2021

Location

Kaarlo Sarkian katu 6, Espoo
60.2143315, 24.8341945

Images

Courtyard and exterior, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Courtyard and exterior, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
Facade, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Facade, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
Playground., Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Playground., Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
Stairwell, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Stairwell, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
Apartment interior, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Apartment interior, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© ©2020 Tuomas Uusheimo: www.uusheimo.com)
First floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
First floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© Paavo Foley)
Second floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Second floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© Paavo Foley)
Third to seventh floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Third to seventh floor, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© Paavo Foley)
Section, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing
Section, Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing (© Paavo Foley)

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