Located in the center of Helsinki, Konelabra is a historic building with a red brick facade and a long tradition as a technical education center. Built between 1925 and 1933 for the Helsinki University of Technology and designed by architect Onni Tarjanne, the building had remained empty for over five years before beginning a new chapter as a co-working space.
A new co-working space
In 2024, a new real estate project called Konelabra revitalized the space into a modern office loft, preserving its historical significance while introducing contemporary elements. This renovation has given way to a modern and active co-working for different disciplines, but maintaining the essence of the past.
Recovery of original elements
The renovation and interior design have been carried out by the Fyra studio in collaboration with the property, Cobbleyard Real Estate, who together reimagined the building's new use. The goal was to leverage the incredible possibilities of this industrial building, creating spaces functional and inspiring for offices and exhibition halls, but maintaining and restoring the space so that it would be preserved beyond its 100 years of history.
The design process was supervised at all times and in close communication with the City Museum of Helsinki and the Helsinki planning authorities, as the building has a degree of level 1 protection.
Various rooms, work areas and laboratories
The renovation began in spring 2024, with the aim of maintaining the essential character of the building while adapting it to the technical standards and modern functional. Many original elements have been preserved, from the soils and doors until the baseboards. The paint tone of the walls was chosen to be in keeping with the original color, while the old technical elements, such as cranes, electric panels y showcases, have been preserved in the facilities as a nod to the building's educational past as a school.
New elements, such as the stairs and openings by windows, mark the temporal evolution of the building, while complementing its architectural style.
Light colors and wood
The design balances the industrial aesthetic of the original architecture with warmer elements such as the woodIn the laboratory areas, the original spatial character and window views were maintained.
With the permission of the Helsinki City Museum, they have been built new rooms and lofts in specific areas, designed so that they can be dismantled later without damaging the surrounding structures.
Restorative architecture
The building has been subjected to the certification BREEAM In-Use, a commitment that is reflected in the facilities of solar panels, energy-efficient air conditioning, water recovery, etc.
The Konelabra project adopts the principles of the restorative architecture, favoring conservation over demolition. It prioritizes both the well-being of users and the sustainability, focusing on creating spaces that elevate everyday life.
In the words of its designers: “The restorative architecture It goes beyond functionality and beauty. It prioritizes the needs of the people who use the space with well-being, sustainability, and a perfect integration with nature and culture. The goal is to create spaces that enhance the quality of life and enrich the experiences of those who inhabit them.”
As a co-working center, its location is unbeatable, in the city center with bicycle parking. It also has audience, terrace with bar, restaurant, sauna and shower. All very Nordic.
Photography: Riikka Kantinkoski
