Arabia Residential, Helsinki

The design has been driven by material efficiency and the reuse of existing spaces: approximately 600 square metres of former shopping centre facilities have been repurposed. Once completed, the building will be among the most energy‑efficient residential towers in Finland. The project also aims for the highest LEED environmental certification, Platinum, which is still rare for residential buildings. The red‑brick façade integrates the tower into the shopping centre and the historical industrial surroundings of Arabia. The sustainability targets are visible on the exterior as well: solar panels will be installed not only on the roof but also on the balcony railings. The annual output of the balcony panels is around 35,000 kWh, and the combined capacity of the roof panels corresponds to 25,000 kWh. Unusually for such a small plot, a geothermal well has been drilled, and the thermal energy it produces will be used for heating and cooling the building. These renewable energy solutions reduce the emissions from living while also lowering costs by decreasing the need for purchased energy. Arabianranta will gain 188 new rental apartments, ranging from studios to two‑bedrooms, with an average floor area of about 40 square metres. Residents will have access to, among other things, a gym, shared saunas, remote‑work facilities, and a club room with a sauna and rooftop terrace.