In 1907, the Finnish Agricultural Research Institute was established in Jokiniemi, Vantaa, with two Jugendstil pavilions designed by architect Henrik Reinhold Helin—a laboratory and an office—completed shortly thereafter. These buildings served their original functions until the 1970s when Pavilion II was converted into an archive and canteen, with renovations that altered the interiors, doors, and windows.

In 2018, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) sought to relinquish the buildings. Pavilion II was preserved through a collaborative effort between a father and son, who converted it into six apartments while ensuring the project respected its original spirit. The renovation prioritized natural ventilation, allowing the preservation of protected windows, high ceilings, and masonry cove mouldings without needing suspended ceilings for ducts. Restored awnings prevent summer overheating, maintaining the building’s functionality and charm.

Reuse and recycling were key principles, with all removed bricks cleaned and reused, some traced to Russian factories as far as the Urals. The apartments, two smaller units, and four larger family homes, open in multiple directions for natural ventilation and comfort. The attic remains a passive climate buffer, with potential for future development. Common areas, including a sauna, storage, and garages, occupy the ground and basement floors.

Each apartment features a greenhouse, recalling the original large greenhouse once attached to the pavilion and enhancing the courtyard’s human scale. The yard design respects the area’s parkland heritage, creating a tranquil courtyard oasis between the pavilions.

Source: Pauli Siponen’s review in Finnish Architectural Review 5/2023