New multi-purpose building brings touch of Japan to Meri-Rastila – ‘Käsi kädessä’ winner of the architectural competition

The proposal called ‘Käsi kädessä’ (‘Hand in hand‘) has been selected as the winner of the architectural competition for the Meri-Rastila multi-purpose building. Based on the proposal, a set of buildings combining new and old features with references to Japanese wood architecture and 1920s Nordic classicism will be created in Meri-Rastila.

The architects of the winning proposal are Matias Kotilainen, Tuomas Martinsaari and Paul Thynell from Arkkitehtitoimisto Opus Oy. In addition to this, LOCI maisema-arkkitehdit Oy contributed to the design of the yard. 

The competition results were published in the award ceremony held on 22 November. The construction of the multi-purpose building is set to begin in 2026.

School and Merirasti chapel to remain

‘Käsi kädessä’ takes successful steps towards the suburban regeneration project of Meri-Rastila. Meri-Rastila is one of the sites for suburban regeneration, and as such, the City of Helsinki is going to be investing in the development, services and infill construction of the area in the coming years. 

The objective of the architectural competition was to identify a solution that was ideal for the Meri-Rastila milieu and renewed it in a positive way in the process.

The new multi-purpose building is planned on the plots of the Meri-Rastila community building and Merirasti chapel. They were designed by architect Kaarlo Leppänen and completed in 1993, and they are in need of repairs and renewal.

The winning design proposes that Merirasti chapel, which was under threat of demolition, be renovated into a youth space and expanded towards Haruspuisto park. The idea is to also keep the current two-level school section. The daycare centre and the youth centre are going to be demolished, and new premises will be built to replace them.

Because the population of Meri-Rastila will increase in the future, the new multi-purpose building will need to be a larger and more versatile centre. In addition to the school, daycare centre and youth centre, the new set of buildings will also house playground facilities, space for evening use by residents and facilities for home care staff.

Harmonious architecture to make everyday life convenient

The jury praised the winning proposal, ‘Käsi kädessä’, for its clear and harmonious architecture. The different groups of spaces are positioned logically and plenty of natural light comes in. Moving about and supervising children is easy, because the shape of the yard is easily perceptible.

The proposal also incorporates pleasingly simple technical solutions, making it easier to build. Wood structures reduce the carbon footprint of construction.

“The jury is pleased with the fact that a solution cherishing the old alongside the new could be found in the competition. This is a good example of how suburban regeneration can be used to improve services for current residents – and also to create opportunities for new residents to discover Meri-Rastila as their new home,” jury chair, Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki says.

”A significant portion of the current buildings of the community centre will be kept, and they will be combined with high-quality, contemporary architecture. The new sections will stand out from the old sections due to their materials, colours and shapes. The end result will be a new and beautiful facade towards the Meri-Rastila square.”

‘Käsi kädessä’ also leaves room for further planning. According to the jury, e.g. the architecture of the new section of the chapel still needs work. Indoor spaces, placement of playground spaces and maintenance connections also require more careful planning before construction can begin.

Six proposals above the rest

A total of 70 proposals were submitted to the architectural competition for the Meri-Rastila multi-purpose building. Second place went to the ‘Alia’ proposal, which was created by Lukkaroinen Arkkitehdit Oy and Arkkitehdit Davidsson Tarkela Oy.

The ‘Katkeamaton yhteys’ (‘Uninterrupted connection‘) proposal came in third place with architects Lassi Mustonen (KUMP Arkkitehdit) and Annina Ruuhilahti as creators.

L Arkkitehdit Oy’s proposal ‘Meren lainehtiessa’ (‘By the swelling sea‘) and architect Arvo Eskelinen and Antti Rissanen’s (BE) proposal ‘Juhannusvirsi’ (‘Midsummer hymn‘) also made the top five. The ‘Kollaasi’ (‘Collage‘) proposal by Anttinen Oiva arkkitehdit Oy received an honourable mention.

The competition proposals will be on display at Cultural House Merirasti until 8 December (address: Jaluspolku 3). Merirasti is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. (noon) to 4 p.m.