Architect: K2S Architects
Location: Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland
Client: Arctia Shipping Company
K2S Architects have designed a riveting office building in the neighborhood of Katajanokka in Helsinki, Finland, for Arctia Shipping Company. The new Arctia Headquarters are located just in front of a listed building which houses the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This fact, along with the proximity of the building to such an overwhelming natural setting presented k2s Architects with a challenging project and finally with a building that is truly delightful.
The construction was completed in a shipyard in Western Finland and was towed to site. This floating, two-storey building is located in front of the Laivastopuisto Park and next to the icebreaker pier.
Architect: K2S Architects
Location: Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland
Client: Arctia Shipping Company
K2S Architects have designed a riveting office building in the neighborhood of Katajanokka in Helsinki, Finland, for Arctia Shipping Company. The new Arctia Headquarters are located just in front of a listed building which houses the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This fact, along with the proximity of the building to such an overwhelming natural setting presented k2s Architects with a challenging project and finally with a building that is truly delightful.
The construction was completed in a shipyard in Western Finland and was towed to site. This floating, two-storey building is located in front of the Laivastopuisto Park and next to the icebreaker pier.
Due to its timeless and minimal design the building fits perfectly within its surrounding environment. There is a profound sense of belonging that makes this floating structure adjust well within the nearby setting.
The Arctia Headquarters incorporate two buildings; the office building as well as a maintenance building. Both structures feature a simple and understated yet sophisticated design approach; the architectural outcome is truly remarkable. The office building feature long facades that are made out of black perforated and profiled aluminium plate. The facades relate to the black hulls of the adjacent ice breaker ships; as K2S Architects mention ‘the headquarters building can be seen as one of the vessels.’
The customized wave pattern steel profile facade of the maintenance building is undeniably a truly elegant piece of work as well, by means of presenting a gradient and abstract perforated pattern, which also is reference to ice crystals and sailor textile patters.
The office building’s interior features a rather warm atmosphere, clearly based on the use of lacquered wood, a reference that relates to earlier ship building traditions. Wood and glass are the materials that dominate the internal atmosphere, along with black colored details that create some strong visual contrasts.
Large windows allow the exterior to penetrate most internal spaces of the building and offer impressive views of the surrounding area to be relished when inside.