2024, Helsinki
Apartments 29
Developer Kestävät Kodit Oy
Builder SSA Rakennus Oy
Design Team
Pauli Siponen (lead architect),
Noona Lappalainen (project architect), Niilo Ikonen,
Atte Aaltonen,Erno Laakso,Iida Siponmaa
Photography Tuomas Uusheimo
Helsinki
Bricklayer




”Inspired by Helsinki’s architectural heritage, our goal was to build something that could stand for at least a hundred years, much like the historic brick buildings that continue to grace our city. Modern materials and construction methods have certainly brought efficiency and lower costs, but they often come at the expense of durability and repairability.” - Pauli Siponen




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.



”Helsingin Muurarimestari is more than just a building; it is a statement. We are proving that traditional masonry can meet modern standards of sustainability and energy efficiency”- Niilo Ikonen


Each of the 29 apartments has been carefully designed to take natural ventilation into consideration, with every unit opening in at least two directions to facilitate better airflow. The building’s design not only respects historical methods but also incorporates sustainable features. Natural ventilation reduces the need for mechanical systems, thus lowering energy consumption and promoting a healthier indoor climate. Additionally, the use of breathable materials and the avoidance of plastic or glue in kitchens and cabinets ensure both healthier living spaces and greater longevity of the construction.
This project marks a significant step forward in the sustainable architecture movement, offering a new perspective on how we can honor the past while building for the future.
Apartments
RE/MAX Casa Alto | Etelä-Helsingin Kiinteistönvälitys
Kasimir Selenius
050 585 8888, kasimir.selenius@remax.fi
www.remax.fi
www.muurarimestari.fi
In Media
Helsinkiin rakennetaan vanhanajan kerrostalo, jossa seinät ovat tiiltä ja ilmanvaihto painovoimainen - HS 28.11.2019
Helsinkiin nousi ”vanhan ajan” kerrostalo, joka saa ohikulkijat huokailemaan ihastuneesti - HS 10.11.2023
Helsingin Muurarimestari on Archdaily
