Durable Stone House Award shared by renovation project of Kurjenlinna in Turku and Church of Tikkurila

The Year 2021 Durable Stone House Award was given to two different projects, unlike in normal years. Both the construction project of the new Church in Tikkurila and the property development and renovation project of Kurjenlinna are characterised by the uncompromised and skilled way in which aesthetically and structurally demanding solutions have been used, showing respect to the traditions of in-situ construction.

The Kurjenlinna estate just off Turku City centre is an area of high value in terms of construction art and social history. Kurjenlinna was originally established as a poorhouse in the late 19th century. It ceased to serve as a hospital in 2009.

The old Kurjenlinna building was restored to its new glory honouring traditions, and converted into rental apartments and office facilities. The structural changes made indoors were challenging. Even after more than a hundred years, the massive external brick walls of the old building were still in good condition. Only the surface rendering was replaced, using lime-cement plaster in accordance with old traditions.

The intermediate floors of the building had originally been built of wood. Due to asbestos and other damage, the developer wished to replace the structures with concrete floors cast in place.

Pieces of history, such as small exposed areas of the old brick wall, for example, were left visible here and there in the apartments and the offices. The stone staircases were in good condition and largely left unchanged.

Read the entire article in Finnish and see the images >>