Unique for the Valjaskortteli Housing Block within the context of Oulu is the conversion of a part of the former Åström tannery – the harness factory – into apartments. The massive brick walls of the old building have provided the starting point around which the new construction has been incorporated. An exceptionally interesting group of buildings has emerged around the factory core.

The Isokatu side is dominated by the restored facade of the old factory. It is framed by the new buildings on either side, thus creating a diverse ensemble. What particularly stands out is the two-storey housing block to the right of the factory building, which separates the new tower-like part of the apartment building from the factory. The two-storey part has come about as a result of zoning requirements, and its purpose is to open up a view from the housing block behind it towards the Ainola Park, which begins immediately behind the factory and continues in the direction of the river estuary. The block is exceptionally located on the border of the city’s grid plan and the shoreline park. From a resident’s point of view, the block is ideal in many ways. When the architect works for a speculative property developer, however, there is an obligation to maximise all opportunities for the placement of new apartments: consequently, one finds small apartments opening directly onto parking spaces.

The variety in terms of the massing of the new buildings and the sophisticated composition of the facades are well-executed. In the new parts, the outer wall structure consists of a lightweight wooden frame, clad with boarding with three layers of plaster. The structure enables the uniformity of the wall surface and the freer variation in the size of the fenestration. The architects have made use of this opportunity by framing each window in metal. The result is well-proportioned facades.

Source: Lauri Louekari’s review in Finnish Architectural Review 3/2o23