The buildings in Lapinlahti will be renovated to be open and accessible to everyone
The assessment team of the idea competition for the Lapinlahti hospital area has selected the Lapinlahti Spring proposal as the winner of the competition. The proposal has been prepared by NREP, Oaklins Merasco Oy and the architectural firms Ark-byroo Oy, Arkkitehtitoimisto OPUS Oy and Arkkitehdit Soini & Horto Oy. The proposal upholds the historical character of the hospital and the hospital park and develops it in a sustainable way. The architectural firms drew up the master plan together and divided the design areas. Ark-byroo was responsible for plans to renovate the area’s historically valuable buildings. The aim is to restore the buildings’ original features and open them up to more user groups.
The main building will be renovated respecting its original characteristics
At the heart of the “Lapinlahti spring” proposal is the restoration of the main building of the old hospital, ie the respectful renovation according to cultural values, in co-operation with the Finnish Heritage Agency. The unique building will be renovated into a safe and healthy operating environment. The aim is to preserve the original features of the main building of Lapinlahti Hospital and to consider the features of the later phases of the building.
The features to be upheld in the hospital interior include groups of spaces and room layouts, original materials and structures, as well as various building components such as windows and doors from different stages of construction. The changes aim to bring the space back to its former state. The original space characters are uncovered by dismantling the latest partitions. Much of the building utilizes gravity ventilation, eliminating the need to install plumbing in the rooms. The building will be opened to more user groups by increasing its accessibility and building elevators. Elevator shafts are placed in structurally and functionally sensible locations that will not affect protected areas.
As part of the renovation of the main building, contaminants and contaminated structures that are hazardous to health will be removed. Damaged old load-bearing structures are repaired in the same way as the original.
The City of Helsinki has been renovating the facades of the main building in recent years, so there are not many measures to be taken on the building envelope. The most significant change is the harmonization of the shapes of the roof lanterns, which were built at different stages and are largely in poor condition. This will be done in connection with the repair of the water roof.
The extension of the 1980s on the north side is proposed to be replaced by an outbuilding of a similar size, detached from the frame of the main building, which improves functionality and allows the vaulted basement spaces to have their own entrance.
A café, a restaurant, a bookstore and event facilities will be opened around the entrance square called Kivipiha, the Stone Yard. The Tove Jansson Museum and Gallery opens in the second floor, with views towards the main entrance. A high-quality pub is located in the basement vaults. In the northern wings there is a hostel, and in the southern wings there are workspaces for cultural operators and the premises of Moomin Characters Oy. The landscaped French formal garden remains open to the public. The multi-user house will become an interesting and original meeting place for its new era.
The Venice building will remain in the use of a bakery and restaurant
Built in the 1890s, the red-brick Venice hosts a restaurant that uses local ingredients and a small bakery. The high-class restaurant serves customers on the first floor of the building, with meeting rooms and a bespoke kitchen on the upper floors. The bakery is located in the low wing of the building. The terraces, open to customers of the restaurant and bakery, are adapted to the maritime look of the surroundings. A plot of land from the Lapinlahti urban farming area is reserved for the restaurant.
The coastal wall surrounding Venice is also being restored. A barrel is returned to the south end of the building, which attracts walkers to Venices, as well as serves as a landmark in the dark. The facades will be restored, with windows and an external door returned to their original places.
The interior utilizes the high rooms, the sea views and the reduced character of the old laundry and bakery building spaces. The premise of the renovation is a building that is healthy and safe.