Originally designed by Erkki Helamaa and Veijo Martikainen, the hospital featured a tall, narrow form with a central corridor layout, reflecting the rational architectural principles they applied in other hospital projects, such as the Tampere Central Hospital (1962). The renovation’s primary goal was to create a more homelike atmosphere within the building. This was achieved by increasing common areas and shortening distances between rooms and shared spaces. Smaller rooms were combined and opened to central corridors to introduce variation, and the visibility of care equipment and building services technology was minimized.
The design preserved elements like large common balconies and stairwells while introducing a new ground-level winter garden featuring a mobile-like artwork by Jenni Rope, which enhances the space’s cozy and expansive feel. The building’s external form maintains the clean lines of the original 1970s architecture, blending well with the surrounding residential area and natural environment. The new ventilation equipment was placed atop the building to highlight its volume.
The renovation significantly altered the building’s original materials. The brick facade was replaced, and sunshading lattices were added to the windows. While original materials could not be retained, many were recreated with updated solutions to preserve the building’s character.
Source: Outtakes from Karita Rytivaara’s review in Finnish Architectural Review 2/2023
