The housing concept was made to be user-oriented. On the basis of user studies and workshops,  various kinds of resident profiles were defined that helped understand how different kinds of residents and their needs should be considered during the various phases of the project.

Conventionally, sheltered housing has fulfilled people’s basic needs, i.e. physiological and safety needs. However, the architects wanted to study which solutions could be used for satisfying needs that are located higher up in the hierarchy of needs, such as social cohesion, esteem, self-actualisation and self-transcendence. The goal was to to support and encourage communality and bring the feelings of being important and meaningful to the residents’ daily life.

The building is located on a visible spot by an access route to the residential area of Puistonmäki. As the building is quite tall, it is a recognisable landmark in the area. On both sides of the building, there are park areas, making the views verdant and spacious, which affected the design and orientation of the flats.

During the different phases of the design work, the focus was on how to observe the various social needs of the residents. The lobbies located on the floors are a key link between one’s own flat and the shared facilities downstairs. The purpose of the lobby is to make it easier for residents to leave their flats and go and have a cup of coffee and read a newspaper in the lobby. This way, they will also have a chance to get to know their neighbours on the same floor. From this semi-private space, it is much easier to go to the more public space downstairs.

The aim was also to create sheltered places where one can spend time alone or in a smaller group. For instance, there is a lounge next to the restaurant and the entrance hall. It is an atmospheric place for reading a book or watching the television by the fireplace.Most of the dwellings are fairly small one-room flats that have different areas for different activities, such as cooking, meals, spending time, sleeping and washing. They have been located in different parts of the flat, which allows for short walks in the flat. The same principle has been followed in larger two-room flats. Each flat has a large glazed balcony that also brings nature and plants close to those whose functional capacity has decreased.

The yard and its buildings are very central elements. The premise was to create various kinds of zones and a walking route that connects the zones. An active yard encourages residents to participate in urban gardening, and doing things together promotes communality. In the garden, the residents can enjoy sensory experiences, such as scents and the sound of flowing water.The wood-burning sauna in the yard offers a place for relaxation, and a shared sauna evening once a week can function as an important social event. The heating of the sauna and the chopping of firewood can be rehabilitating and meaningful activities for residents.

Outtakes from Architect Sampsa Palva’s interview in Finnish Architectural Review 1/2021