Keilaniemi Next – Fiskars Headquarters

Keilaniemi Next – Fiskars Headquarters

Keilaniemi is going through a transformation process from a single-function area of closed office buildings into a living neighbourhood with housing and a multitude of services, hotels and public outdoor spaces. Prominent location by the northern entrance to this developing area makes the building site visible from major traffic routes. We were asked to produce a design with character to take its place as a gateway building in the cityscape, despite being relatively low-rise in planned context.

The building, serving as headquarters of Fiskars Group, is the first built phase of the Metro block. It connects the heart of Keilaniemi area towards Tapiola through the new park built on covered Kehä I, one of the main traffic arteries of the metropolitan area. The raised courtyard, with a restaurant terrace and parking under, allows access to the building from both park and street levels. A public outdoor stair connects the two levels and creates a new pedestrian route to the park. 

Interiors were designed in collaboration with Futudesign, based on ambitious objectives set by Fiskars Group. Entrance levels contain a lobby, showroom and restaurant, office floors are connected with an open internal staircase, and the top floor, with extended room height and a generous outdoor terrace, is dedicated to the well-being of the people working in the building.  

The building appears as a polygonal, prismatic volume with stepped overhangs, set on a glazed pedestal. Façade treatment echoes the visual shape of the volume, with faceted metal elements partly overlapping with windows and perforated for solar protection, enhancing the depth of the façade. 

Technical solutions for HVAC and fire security were designed to allow convertibility of use along the life span of the building. Lower floors can house restaurants, retail and other public functions, while upper floors can function as flexible and interconnected office space with future-proof ability to change. Structural frame is rational, despite faceted building form, enabling efficient underground parking facilities. The building has a Breeam Excellent -certificate. Sustainable solutions have been prioritised through the project.  

https://www.commercialdesignindia.com/projects/experience-the-office-of-tomorrow-sarc-architects-pioneering-kn-next-building-transforms-the-working-environment