Login
Registered users
Lastu brings a new layer of architecture to update the college campus originally formed in the 1940s. Complementing the existing buildings, it houses flexibly adjustable spaces to meet the needs of contemporary education. It also provides services for the community. Working harmoniously with the scale of the surrounding buildings, it forms a central hub for the campus. Reflecting the rich variety of activities, the volume is organized into several smaller blocks that together form one entity with a strong identity. A series of roof lanterns gives the building a sculptural character.
The design process was informed by an ongoing dialogue with the future users. From the first steps of sketching an outline for the concept, a series of workshops with all the involved parties guided the design.
Cast your vote giving a wish to this project.
The campus is situated on a beautiful site by Lake Tuusula. Underscoring the presence of nature on the campus, tall, full-wall windows open out to the lake from the central lobby of the new building seamlessly connecting the interior space with the surrounding landscape.
The use of CTL elements as the load-bearing structure made it possible to keep the construction period short and efficient and the disturbance to the terrain around the site to a minimum. Thanks to that, it was possible to preserve as many of the surrounding trees as possible. In the yard design the goal was to make use of the existing trees to create an ideal framework for shading to reduce the heat load. Freely growing natural grass covers the ground creating a strong connection with the natural landscape of the area.
Lastu is an ecological building with a massive timber structure. With both the extenal and internal walls made of wood, there is no need for extra layers of insulating materials in the walls. Also the roof is made of wood and insulated with wood pulp. The monomateriality enables the reuse of the materials at the end of the building’s lifecycle. Geothermal energy is used for the energy needs.
The wood paneling in the façade forms an outer layer to protect the wooden structure. Creating a play of light and shadow on the façade it acts as a shading element that reflects and distributes incoming sunlight in the interior spaces. In the lobby and hallways, wooden scantlings with a wool background are used to create a pleasant acoustical environment. All carpeting is made of recycled materials.
Lastu is a multifunctional building with flexibly adaptable spaces designed to support contemporary teaching methods. In addition to teaching spaces, it contains a large multipurpose hall, seminar spaces, and a gym. While catering to the needs of the training center, the spaces also serve the residential community in the area. A multipurpose hall with a high ceiling forms the heart of the buillding. It converts easily into a fully equipped performance space with state-of-the-art stage technology. The hall can be divided into three smaller spaces with a simple system of heavy curtains that separate the spaces both acoustically and visually.
The rhytmic structure of the ceiling of the multipurpose hall is reflected in the exterior shape of the building giving it a recognizable form with a distinct identity. A series of roof lanterns further adds to the sculptural character of the building. Opening to the south, they optimize natural light and give a spacious feel to the interiors forming small, inviting meeting places that support the professional training center’s flexible teaching style. The teaching spaces orient themselves around a wide wooden central stair that functions as an informal gathering point. It can also be used as seating for events when the movable wall of the multipurpose hall is opened to extend out to the lobby. The classrooms facilitate both on location and remote learning. There is also a series of well-equipped classrooms for the arts and technical work.
Lastu is a unique building with a strong individual expression. It has been very well liked by both students and teachers as well as by the wider community, and it is constantly in active use. It has succeeded exceptionally well as a building that serves many different uses and provides different possibilities for dividing the spaces. The acoustics of the multi-purpose hall and the soothing environment of lobby have both received special praise, describes Helena Ahonen, the Principal.
OOPEAA works on a wide range of projects from churches and public buildings to housing and urban visions. There is an active focus on research and a strong emphasis on the development of socially and ecologically sustainable solutions on all scales, from individual buildings to blocks of affordable housing and to visions for entire cities. The office is based in Seinäjoki and Helsinki, Finland. Their work connects innovative ideas with traditional materials. A feeling for material and an interest in optimizing the use of it is important to them. A desire to find solutions that take advantage of the natural qualities of the chosen materials has informed their work from the earliest projects on. Their objective is to create architecture and milieus that are functional, technically and ecologically sustainable, of aesthetically high quality, and committed to the location. A willingness to courageously explore new ways of doing things and solving challenges is at the core of their work.
