Hansakallion Helmi, housing company, Espoo

The detailed plan of the vacant plot left by the demolition of a local service centre was amended in partnership with the city of Espoo allowing for the construction of apartment buildings. The basis for this amendment was that future residents could ease their everyday lives by availing of the services at the nearby senior centre. Residents over 55 and those with physical disabilities were given priority when buying or renting the apartments. The protected inner courtyard, enclosed by the two long thin apartment buildings, opens up to a hilly park to the southwest. Striking facades are created by the varying patterns of the relief-like grooved brick tiles, which are cast within the prefabricated concrete facade panels. ONE Architects (Part of AINS Group) were responsible for the main and architectural design of the project: https://www.onearchitects.fi/ Photos: Marc Goodwin