Housing Company Asunto Oy Laaksola is an Art Nouveau residential building designed by master builder Leuto Armas Pajunen and completed in 1912. The building has five storeys, 86 apartments, and commercial premises. It is protected under the local detailed plan with the designation sr-2. This distinguished historic building has undergone extensive renovation and alteration works. The development and repair of the building therefore had to be carried out in a manner that preserved its original character and architectural expression.
The project began with feasibility and project planning in 2020 and progressed in phases into a comprehensive building services renovation, along with the renewal of façades and courtyard areas. Construction started in January 2023 and was completed in July 2025.
Inside the building, a thorough plumbing renovation was carried out. Bathrooms and WC facilities were renovated and partially rebuilt. Vertical service risers were largely retained in their original locations.
The shared facilities were upgraded, and the basement level was reorganised to improve functionality. The sauna facilities were renewed, storage spaces were restructured, and a bicycle lift was installed to serve the bicycle storage area. Modern storage facilities for the commercial premises were created from previously low and labyrinthine basement spaces.
Within the apartments, units were both combined and divided, and one entirely new residential unit was created.
The building’s exterior appearance and courtyard areas also underwent a complete renovation. The rendered façades were renewed and painted in a manner that respects the building’s original appearance.
Windows and doors serving both residential and commercial spaces were restored as close as possible to their original design, based on original permit drawings and historic photographs. The courtyard balconies and the courtyard deck were renewed. The courtyard areas were developed to be more comfortable and functional, stormwater management was improved, and significantly better facilities for cycling were created, including the construction of a bicycle lift to the basement.
The project included several challenging aspects that required continuous coordination and on-site design work. At the same time, the process was highly instructive. In my view, cooperation with the building authority and the City Museum was very smooth, and solutions were developed collaboratively.
Issues arising during site visits were resolved in a constructive atmosphere together with Rakennus Numera Oy and its subcontractors.
As a result, Hämeentie 26 is now a building whose technical standards, functionality, and courtyard areas have been updated to meet contemporary requirements, while its historical character and contribution to the cityscape have been carefully preserved.
Read the Helsingin Sanomat article about the building:
https://www.hs.fi/talous/art-2000010657867.html
The design work was recognised by an honourable nomination for the Rakentamisen Ruusu 2025 Award, granted by Helsinki Building Control. Read more about the competition on our blog.
