Avarrus Architects' partners, Pauli Siponen and Niilo Ikonen, shared a vision for a sustainable apartment building that, in addition to longevity, would also be ecologically sustainable. This vision became a reality when the architects’ company, Kestävät Kodit Oy, was granted a plot in Oulunkylä through Helsinki's Kehittyvä Kerrostalo -program.

Since the 1950s, Finnish construction has largely relied on prefabricated building elements. These multi-layered prefabricated structures are susceptible to moisture damage and have proven difficult to repair. In contrast, the solid brick structures of the early 20th century have been low-maintenance and energy-efficient, as the massive brick walls act as passive heat storage in winter and cooling structures in summer. The solid brick exterior walls of Helsingin Muurarimestari are 60 to 75 cm thick, made entirely of brick, just as they were a hundred years ago.