University of Joensuu
- 200 m
- 1985
When designing the wooden multipurpose stadium to Mehtimäki, the intention was to create an arena that would serve as both a Finnish baseball stadium and a venue for concerts and other events. Finnish baseball is Finland’s national sport, and the arena is globally unique.
In the project, wood is used in the load-bearing structure as well as surface material. Fire safety issues are a part of the planning process of any wooden structure, and those challenges were successfully solved by collaboration with building inspectors and fire services.
In total, there are more than 2,500 covered seats. In addition to the unheated spaces that make up the majority of the project, the seating area of the stadium consists of heated and partially heated spaces. The partially heated spaces have been constructed in a way that allows them to be taken into use when the weather conditions require. The concession stands, dressing rooms, toilets, and storage facilities are located at the field level, and the intermediate level offers multipurpose facilities for 200 people. Furthermore, on the top level there is a sports bar that accommodates approximately 100 people and corporate and society box seating for about 100 people.