Suurpelto III

The aim of the project is to bring totally new housing typologies into the relatively conservative Finnish suburban housing scheme; to create more ecological, diverse and characteristic living surroundings. This is achieved by creating compact but flexible city structure with only two different plot sizes where density can vary significantly. With this system the structure and density of the whole area can easily be varied.

The concept of the area is also based on creative traffic design. The traffic system adds pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles into one unified stream. The planned Henttaanlaakso area will have only one large slow-speed street area with mixed traffic, where according to research, drivers act more carefully than in typical street systems. One big shared courtyard meanders between the houses; only passing traffic and public traffic are on separate lanes.

A large variety of apartments is achieved with different housing typologies. Catalyzing ecological lifestyle has also been one of the goals of the project; making self-sufficient living possible on both the levels of the individuals and the housing area in itself. Compact city structure, energy efficient buildings, self-monitored water and energy consumption as well as shared recycling facilities help in achieving this goal. Local energy sources including geothermal heating significantly reduce the neighborhood’s carbon footprint.

Supporting the sense of community is strengthened with multiple shared areas and facilities. The neighborhood’s rich biota is supported by building preservation areas among the community. Playgrounds and parks connected with shared courtyards create a lively new housing area.