Architect
Huttunen – Lipasti – Pakkanen Architects
1998 -
For several years now, one of the names ranking high in architectural competitions has been Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects. Having worked together since their student days, the three belong to the rising stars of the younger generation of Finnish architectural firms. Established in 1998 by Risto Huttunen and Santeri Lipasti, the ownership base was extended in 2007 when a third partner, Pekka Pakkanen, teamed up.
Viikinmäki housing, Helsinki. Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects.
Years ago, the partners used to lecture on materials-based studio courses at the Helsinki University of Technology while working as designers; however, since then they have focused on in-house projects in which their approach is very similar to that applied in workshops, based on free dialogue and criticism. Work is literally carried out ‘hands-on' - by drawing by hand and assessing the designs by means of scale models. The firm employs around ten people.
Saukonpaasi housing, Helsinki. Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects.
Ultimately, Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects seek to find the insight that elevates the location and brief into something more than just its component parts. A core principle in design is genuine respect for the special nature of the building materials in all their works.
Kaanaankatu housing, Helsinki. Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects.
The firm has won first prizes in invitational competitions for housing design while claiming other top prizes in a range of general architectural, ideas and design competitions. After all, competitions are an important source of work as most of their designs so far have consisted of winning entries to invitational competitions.
Linnankatu housing, Helsinki. Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects.
Among the projects designed by the firm is the residential quarter in Kaanaankatu street in Arabia, Helsinki, currently under construction, while the first terraced houses will soon spring up in Viikinmäki. Another project in the design phase is the Saukonpaasi residential quarter in Jätkäsaari. A few amendments to the town plan in the inner city in Helsinki are also under way. A fine example of the house design capabilities of the architects is Villa Mecklin (Naantali), one of the structures singled out for the 0809 Exhibition of the Museum of Finnish Architecture.
