Heka Laajasalo, 3 Gunillantie Street, Helsinki

Heka Laajasalo, 3 Gunillantie Street is a housing development of the City of Helsinki in Laajasalo, in the vicinity of the sea and parks. The estate consists of three 5-7 storey buildings with lift access and a total of 81apartments from studios to large family units. The apartments are accessible and feature glazed balconies and heated storage rooms, but no saunas. The residents are able to enjoy plenty of communal spaces, including saunas, a free laundry and an assembly room, as well as parking space for 44 vehicles and for about 200 bicycles.

The project was carried out in compliance with the terms of ARA financing as an infill development on a property previously used by a heating plant. The architecture of the buildings is based on distinct masses with flat roofs and light-coloured concrete facades that utilise precast technology of a high standard and thought-out details. The load-bearing structures are precast concrete elements, and solar panels are installed on the roofs. Cost-efficiency, quality, and sustainability have been emphasised in the design, despite the challenging land contours.

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