Architect
Playa Architects
Competition
2009
Completion
2014
Gross area
3600 m²
Category
Residential buildings
Tags
block of flats brick social housing wood

The housing project Kotisaarenkatu began through an invited competition won by Playa Architects in 2009. The project consists of three villa-like, box-shaped residential buildings, which are located in Toukoranta area, in Helsinki. The project is part of the subsidized HITAS-program organized by the city of Helsinki. It was completed in 2014.

The wood-panelled balcony zones characterise the courtyard facades and the appearance of the buildings along the main street. Triangular extra storage space has been integrated into the balcony walls. The resulting portal shape enables maximal natural light flowing into the apartments.

The buildings have semi-public courtyards, which are slightly elevated from the street level. Communal saunas and terraces are situated on the top floors, where one can find unobstructed views towards the sea.

Source: Finnish Architectural Review 4/2014

Location

Kotisaarenkatu 7, Helsinki
60.2020952, 24.9718033

Images

Covered yard, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Covered yard, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Tuomas Uusheimo / MFA)
View from southeast, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
View from southeast, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Tuomas Uusheimo / MFA)
Balcony elevation, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Balcony elevation, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Tuomas Uusheimo / MFA)
Detail of the façade, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Detail of the façade, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Tuukka Vuori / MFA)
Section plan, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Section plan, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Playa Architects)
Northeast elevation plan, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Northeast elevation plan, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Playa Architects)
Ground floor, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
Ground floor, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Playa Architects)
3rd floor, Kotisaarenkatu Housing
3rd floor, Kotisaarenkatu Housing (© Playa Architects)

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