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Architects: JKMM Architects
- Area: 1007 m²
- Year: 2015
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Photographs:Marc Goodwin
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Architect Design Team: Kristian Forsberg (project architect), Rami Lehtimäki (project architect for interior design), Elina Niemi and Noora Liesimaa (interior architects)
Text description provided by the architects. When JKMM Architects was founded in 1998, its office was located in Kamp, Helsinki. At the end of 2007, the office moved to Lapinrinne 3, an office building designed by Raoul Lehman in 1978. JKMM operated from the third floor of this building for over seven years. As the office grew, the decision was made to expand the facilities to the top three floors of the same real estate. The designing of the new office space started in spring 2014. The office moved to the new premises in April 2015.
The main idea of the new office was to combine three floors into one space with two straight staircases. The stair opening unites the floors visually and functionally, as well as creates an important meeting space in the middle of the office. Now the essence of the work environment is openness and it supports a sense of community. All of the fixed workstations are located in the open office space. Ancillary spaces and conference rooms have been separated from the multi space office environment by sound proofed glass walls and sliding glass doors. The door frames are made from Finnish pine. The calm and modern architecture creates a comfortable working environment. On the lowest floor, the office space expands outwards as a roof terrace, which has a view of the Helsinki city center.
Openings in the intermediate floor panels have been reinforced with carbon fiber composite. The intermediate floor panels have been straightened and coated with a cement coating that has been dyed through. The handrails of the stairs and the openings are made from glass. The acoustically treated papier-mâché surface has been smoothed. General lighting is provided by profile lights, which are fixed to the ceiling. The art work painted on the floors and ceilings in the office space is designed by graphic artist Aimo Katajamäki. The actual painting was done by the office’s own employees. All work stations have ergonomic, height adjustable electric work tables in the new office. The furniture in the office space is made from Finnish wood and handcrafted in Finland. The furniture designed by the office was crafted by Nikari, AKSI and Saaren puusepät.
