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Inspired by a ship in a bottle, the project includes 115 apartments, each with its own unique artworks
Located in the Taka-Töölö cultural district on Taivallahti Bay, Helsinki, Meander Housing is a residential complex designed by Steven Holl. It was completed in 2024 by Newil&Bau after 18 years. After buying the property, Newil&Bau revisited its design, proposing a cohabitation model that would combine functionality and sustainability. It worked with both Steven Holl Architects and Finnish studio ARK-house Architects, integrating the visions of both studios.
Steven Holl’s project, winner of a 2006 design competition, shapes void spaces, creating architecture that integrates with the context and maximizes sunlight. The green spaces, apartments, interiors, and common areas were redesigned according to Newil&Bau’s “Newil is in the details” philosophy.
Meander’s design is based on the idea of shaping urban space through integration with the surrounding environment. The curving shape of the building – 180 m long and varying in height from two to seven floors – evokes a continuous flow, like an architectural symphony traversing the fabric of the city. Its façade, inspired by a wooden ship in a bottle, is entirely transparent, making each apartment clearly visible from outside.
Meander Housing creates strategic void spaces within the urban block, maximizing exposure to natural light and panoramic views for the 115 apartments, which feature large windows and balconies overlooking both the Baltic Sea on the horizon and Hesperianpuisto Park.
As well as independent units, Meander offers a range of shared spaces that encourage socializing and enhance resident wellbeing. They include saunas, a yoga studio, a wine cellar, coworking spaces, and a 12-seat cinema.
Both inside and out, every detail has been painstakingly designed. The door handles, light fixtures, and even the dog bowls have all been specially designed to echo Meander’s flowing shape. All the building materials used, the timber in particular, come from local sustainable sources, such as the Finnish spruce used for the cladding, balconies, and windows.
Another distinctive aspect of the project is the close integration between art and architecture. Finnish artist Fanny Tavastila created unique artworks for each of the 115 units and the common spaces, giving an extra level of customization to each apartment. The interiors feature a neutral color palette ranging from white to wood, recreating the warm atmosphere typical of Finnish homes.
Meander is heated and cooled by a geothermal system comprising sixteen wells, with radiant floor heating in all units. Combined with solar panels and an extensive green roof, this approach has dramatically reduced carbon emissions, making Meander a low-impact building.
Energy-efficient windows, plenty of natural light, and rainwater harvesting systems create a lifestyle in harmony with nature, further improving the residents’ quality of life.
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Client: City of Helsinki, Newil&Bau
Completion: 2024
Site Area: 8886 sq. m
Architect: Steven Holl Architects
Partner in Charge: Noah Yaffe
Project Architect: JongSeo Lee
Design Team: Alfonso Simelio, Okki Berendschot, Hannah Ahlblad, Sungjoon Chae, Yiqing Zhao
Main Contractor: SSA
Consultants
Local Architect: ARK-house Architects, Vesa Honkonen Architects
Interior Design: Fyra
Landscape: VSU Maisema-arkkitehdit Oy
Structural: A-insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy
HVAC, Eletrical and Fire Protection: Sitowise
Please refer to the individual images in the gallery to look through the photo credits
