The housing complex designed by Steven Holl Architects features 115 apartments that are combined with different exchange common spaces for the residents. Each apartment opens onto the landscape through high windows and private balconies with views of the Baltic Sea horizon or the Hesperianpuisto Park, creating an atmosphere characterized by the unique and variable quality of Nordic light.
Despite being completely covered in glass, the building is an example of sustainability thanks to its geothermal heating system, solar panels, intelligent building automation and optimization of doors and windows. In addition to the sixteen geothermal wells that heat and cool the building, underfloor heating, natural ventilation and lighting in all apartments, as well as the green roof, minimize the overall emissions of the complex.
Meander by Steven Holl Architects. Photograph by Jenny Kallio.
Project description by Steven Holl Architects
Meander shapes void spaces within an urban block and maximizes views and sunlight for 115 apartments. The 180-meter-long building, varying in height from two to seven floors, traverses its rectangular site like a musical score. Located in Helsinki’s cultural district Taka-Töölö along Taivallahti Bay, the site is bordered by the Taivallahti Barracks of apartments and offices. Rising in section towards the sea horizon, Meander introduces openness to the historic barracks.
The facade concept evokes a wooden ship inside a glass bottle. Meander is carried by load bearing perpendicular concrete walls and glazed with horizontally hinged glass panels. The atmosphere of each apartment is characterized by the unique, varying quality of Nordic light. All units open onto the landscape through high windows and private balconies with views to the Baltic Sea horizon or Hesperianpuisto Park. At night, the building glows like an ice sculpture.
The building is imbued with the experiential dimension of material and detail. Custom door handles, light fixtures, hand woven wool carpets, and cast dog bowls echo the Meander form. All wood is locally sourced, including sustainably harvested Finnish spruce for the exterior cladding, balconies, and windows.
Sixteen geothermal wells heat and cool the building, with radiant floors throughout the units, minimizing overall lifecycle emissions. All units receive natural light and ventilation. An extensive green roof and solar array provide performance benefits and a sloping scenic footpath. Gardens shaped by the building voids incorporate rainwater collecting systems and diverse plantings, including native wild species.
Among the shared spaces for residents are saunas, yoga studio, wine cellar, common leisure and coworking spaces, and a 12-seat cinema. Art and architecture are synthesized through the work of Finnish visual artist Fanny Tavastila, who created unique pieces for each resident’s home as well as the common living spaces of Meander.
Steven Holl Architects achieved international acclaim with the competition-winning design for the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, completed in 1997. Meander marks the studio’s return to Helsinki upon winning the competition for an apartment building in 2006, collaborating first with local Finnish architect Vesa Honkonen and then with Pentti Kareoja from ARK-house Architects. In 2021, Newil&Bau acquired the development, enhancing the design by adding meticulously crafted yard spaces, curated interiors, and innovative, resident-centric services. Steven Holl Architects x Newil&Bau Meander completed in 2024 after 18 years of dedication.
