UPM Headquarters

Our design proposal for the new UPM headquarters building in Töölönlahti area in Helsinki is based on enhancing the nature of the L-shaped block 2016 as one building stretching over the Alvar Aallon katu and interweaving with the park. The spaces of public interest are placed on the ground floor, and they open to the surrounding street and park spaces. The offi ce spaces form a system of interlocking fl oors creating high and low spaces in an interesting pattern. This rich spatial diversity is visible from the outside, and creates a unique and pleasing identity for the building. This is enhanced by the façade system which twists from vertical wall to horizontal sun shade according to the spaces behind it.

The interlocking high and low spaces give the building a smaller scale and expression which varies depending on the viewpoint. The varying façade stripes wrap these spatial volumes into an elegantly varying yet unifi ed whole, which represents the same values and qualities towards all directions, from close and from afar. The building avoids aggressive and brutal repetition- it varies gently and for a reason, looking unique in a polite way.

Wood is used as an important material in the design. The ceilings of the high spaces are highly visible surfaces- they are made using wood-covered products. These wooden surfaces also continue to the outside under the twisting solar screen bands. This way the public can see beautiful wooden surfaces which are protected from the elements and retain their qualities over time.

The interior spaces are interlocking in a varying pattern. The solid inner service core walls are clad with wood-surfaced building products by UPM. Different textures and types of wood can be used to differentiate the open team spaces. In the interior, the atmosphere is light, pleasant and open. The low spaces have views to the high ones, and exterior views are rich and varying. On the higher floors the interior is dominated by the awe-inspiring city views of central Helsinki.