A House Like a Brick Exhibition
An article published by Wienerberger about our recently completed project.
As Oy Niittyportti 16, completed in Niittykumpu, Espoo, consists of two mainly brick-clad apartment buildings, which Architect SAFA Kari Leppänen playfully calls Matti and Teppo. Brick has been used in the building’s facades with exceptional variety, and the striking Verso work in particular catches the passerby’s eye.
As Oy Niittyportti 16, completed in Niittykumpu, Espoo, consists of two mainly brick-clad apartment buildings, which Architect SAFA Kari Leppänen playfully calls Matti and Teppo. The buildings rise above Länsiväylä and greet those arriving in the capital region from the west with their diverse facade.
Several new residential blocks have been completed in the Niittykumpu area in recent years. Developed by TA Asumisoikeus Oy, As Oy Niittyportti 16 is the first of the projects completed in the area bordered by Niittyportti and Niittysillankäytävä. The company’s two apartment buildings contain a total of 82 right-of-occupancy apartments. Leppänen Architects was responsible for the architectural design of the project, and Rakennuspetäjä for the construction.
The starting point for the design was the building massing already defined in the local detailed plan. The location of the construction site near Länsiväylä placed special demands on sound insulation, among other things. The 10-story apartment building located closest to the traffic routes acts as a noise barrier for the courtyard recreation area and other buildings to be built in the block.
Brick as the main facade material
The apartment buildings completed along Niittyportti share a versatile use of brick.
– I was pleased that the local detailed plan for the Niittykumpu area required brick as the facade material. Having grown up in the Otaniemi area, brick, and especially red brick, is a material close to my heart, says lead designer Kari Leppänen.
In the facades of Niittyportti 16, brick has been used with exceptional variety. On the courtyard side, the ground floor is surrounded by brick masonry executed with relief bricks. On the upper floors, the brick surface of the facade is finished with a smooth joint technique. On the outer perimeter of the buildings at ground level, there are also light-transmitting lace masonry sections as cladding for storage and stairwell areas.
The Verso facade artwork as an eye-catcher
Integrated into the facades of both the 6-story and 10-story buildings near the entrances is the Verso artwork designed by Kari Leppänen. It was implemented in cooperation with Joutsenon Elementti, which acted as the element manufacturer.
As a little boy, Kari Leppänen got to follow the work of his father, architect Kaarlo Leppänen. Art and craftsmanship played a significant role in his life, which was also reflected in his architectural work.
– In my own work, I have continued my father’s legacy. I believe art and architecture naturally go hand in hand, and I strive to bring them together in my design projects whenever possible, Kari Leppänen states.
The design of the Verso artwork started from sketching on paper. The idea was developed together with the element manufacturer so that the work could be implemented using mold technology. In practice, the expressive artwork, growing from bottom to top in a shoot-like manner, was implemented using two gel-like plastic grids, which were also utilized as mirror images.
Father-son architectural work for 50 years
This autumn marks 50 years since Kaarlo “Kale” Leppänen founded his own architectural office after working for 21 years in Alvar Aalto’s office. One of Kale’s final works in his architectural career was the extension of the Vantaa Courthouse, which Kari Leppänen completed.
– Father came in a wheelchair to see the finished work and looked satisfied. For me personally, that was a big and meaningful moment.
Kari Leppänen is grateful for the lessons learned from his father, but feels he has created his own interpretation of architecture. One of the significant habits adopted from his father is establishing a personal connection with the professionals working on the construction site.
– It is important to me that my vision as a designer is conveyed to those working on the building; a shared vision is created through discussions and experimentation. I especially appreciate the craftsmanship of masons. The human touch is also concretely visible in the facade implementation of Niittyportti.
As Oy Niittyportti 16
Developer TA-Asumisoikeus Oy
Architectural design Leppänen Architects Oy
Design-build contractor Rakennuspetäjä Oy
Element supplier Joutsenon Elementti Oy
Structural engineer Sweco Finland Oy
Bricks and brick tiles
RT60 R-Punainen Makasiini
RT60 R-Punainen Makasiini relief brick
RT60 R-Punainen Makasiini lace brick
MTL60 R-punainen Struktura S brick tile
MTL60 R-punainen smooth brick tile
MTL60 R-punainen background patina brick tile