Vuorikatu 3
Customer: University of Helsinki, University Services, Facilities and Properties
Location: Vuorikatu 3, Helsinki
Completed: 2025
Area: bruttoala 4180 m2
Located in the city centre of Helsinki, Vuorikatu 3 was designed by architect Aarre Ekman and completed in 1920. The building represents a mixed-frame technique typical of the time: its frame consists of massive brick walls and its core of concrete pillars. The subfloors are double slab beam structures. Vuorikatu 3 originally had commercial and storage premises, guesthouses and residential flats.
Numerous interior renovations were done on the building beginning in the 1970s. The last extensive renovation work was done in 2004–2007, at which time the old part of the building was refurbished and a new section was built, along with connecting passageways from Porthania to Aleksandria through the Vuorikatu 3 courtyard (Nurmela-Raimoranta-Tasa Oy). The building previously housed, among others, the Faculty of Theology, Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (HSSH) and University Services.
Planning of the extensive renovation and alteration work started in 2023 and the project was completed at the end of 2025. The original floorplan was primarily made up of conventional workrooms, but this was replaced by modern, adaptable office space. The new facilities promote work requiring concentration as well as socialisation, interaction and remote participation. Future needs have also been taken into account by including structural allowances for new partitions. The project is related to the development of the University of Helsinki City Centre Campus.
Sustainable development goals, low energy consumption and the reuse of materials were emphasised in the renovation. Building utilities were updated to meet current requirements and low-carbon, cost-effective solutions were applied in the design. Energy-efficiency was improved with, among others, new ventilation machines, smart control systems, advanced lighting technologies and solar panels.
The renovation included the removal of partition walls and surface structures were refurbished. Accessibility and acoustics were improved significantly. Recycled parts, such as doors and glass walls, were used wherever possible. Floors 2-5 were changed into open workspaces, which includes both workstations and silent rooms for remote participation and conferencing. The properties at Vuorikatu 3 and Fabianinkatu 24 both have a conference centre. The café on the first floor and catering area retain their original purpose.
LPR Architects designed the surface treatments and colours used in the building spaces and the client was responsible for the furnishings. All alteration work was done with respect for the historical value of the building and the University of Helsinki’s principles of responsibility.