Helsinki, Lapinlahti

Renovation
Architect: Ark-byroo Oy
Structural Design Project Manager: Anna-Kaisa Mero

A project and tender design for the Lapinlahti Hospital area was completed at the end of 2023. The tender documents provided a clearer understanding of the repair needs and costs of this historically significant site. The first hospital buildings in Lapinlahti were constructed in the 1840s and have been expanded and adapted over time to accommodate changing uses. These buildings hold architectural and historical value, preserving many original structures, surfaces, and historical elements.

Challenges and Scope:
Updating and renovating these old and extensively protected buildings to meet modern requirements is highly challenging. Nodetec managed the structural design for the tendering phase under a tight schedule.

Key design tasks included:

• Developing repair plans for old wooden floors that preserve original construction techniques while improving fire safety and acoustic performance.
• Ensuring the spaces are safe, functional, and healthy for diverse future users.

The Lapinlahti Hospital complex reflects various construction methods from different periods, with floor structures made of wood, brick, and concrete. The buildings bear the marks of their age, showing both the evolution of construction techniques and damage typical of their era.

Tender Design Focus Areas:

• Structural modifications to accommodate new uses.
• Ventilation system improvements.
• Roof repairs.
• Enhancements to external water drainage systems.

This project demonstrates the intricate balance between preserving historical integrity and implementing modern updates for safety, functionality, and usability.