Kaarlo Sarkian katu Housing

The courtyard includes a red-concrete bicycle shed partially covered with creepers, and, unlike many new buildings, it is laid out on natural ground, allowing for the growth of leafy trees and plants. The landscape, designed by Byman & Ruokonen Landscape Architects, creates a setting that changes with the seasons. Green spaces are expected to mature over time. Some ground-floor flats open directly onto the courtyard, adding activity to the area, while a notable gable-end flat features a 10-meter-wide balcony, partly obscuring the storage facility wall.

The stairwells are naturally lit and spacious, with pram storage and residents’ cubicles fitted with glass doors, a feature also seen in some of architect Tuukka Vuori’s earlier projects. Even traditionally windowless lockups have windows, improving the usability of these spaces.

The apartments range from studio flats, mostly over 30 square meters, to various two-room configurations, including some with “Norwegian bedrooms” offering dual access to the kitchen-living area. Many smaller apartments have balconies spanning the width of the unit, providing practical outdoor space, while protruding balconies on the exterior can accommodate small furniture. Residents also have access to a shared terrace with views over the courtyard and neighboring areas.

Family apartments face multiple directions or extend through the building, with layouts maximizing the relatively deep structure. Some designs include a kitchen connected to a bedroom, recalling older Finnish housing configurations and offering practical solutions for families or early risers.