Bunkkeri, Helsinki

Bunkkeri is a deposit storage built to the West Harbour port area in 1970. In the city scape, the role of the building has changed from a landmark to an integrated part of new city structure.

Bunkkeri will be a true hybrid. It combines public education and recreation services with private housing. The public services include a swimming hall and an arena for cultural and sports facilities. At daytime the public facilities serve the pupils of the local schools and rest of the time the common public. Above will be about 300 private apartments, situated around a closed green courtyard, with open views to the surrounding city and the archipelago.

Use of the existing frame and the original materials form a sound basis for ecologically sustainable construction. The concrete elements on the facades will be reconstructed and the impressive columns and beamwork will be preserved wherever possible. The indoor material choices of the new structures aim to form a clear contrast to the raw concrete.

The design of the project started in 2015, the deconstruction and construction will start in 2017. The sports facilities will be finished in 2019 and the apartments a couple of years later. The project was exhibited in Venice Biennale 2016.

Architecture firm B&M (part of AINS Group): https://www.bm-ark.fi/