Töölön Kesäkatu, Finland’s Finest Residential Building

A pioneering Finnish real estate developer, Auratum Asunnot, has recently completed the renovation of Töölön Kesäkatu, a residential building in Helsinki that was formerly the headquarters of YleThe Finnish Public Service Media Company. The 5-year project, which attracted over 800 potential buyers even before pre-marketing, is one of the most challenging residential construction projects ever completed in Finland.

The building’s unique location, history, and size make it exceptional. Located at the seafront in Merikannontie 5, it is within walking distance to the city center, the Opera, and the Olympic Stadium.

Töölön Kesäkatu offers its residents an impressive range of shared amenities, including a spa, a workshop, a gym, a garage, a car wash, and a communal car which can be booked for short term use through a mobile app. Outside, there is also a pétanque court and a playground.

Residents have free access to all the communal spaces, including the lounges and cabinet spaces in the lobby, which has been carefully restored to its historical glory. The spa facilities include saunas for men and women, a steam room, an experiential shower, a swimming pool, a cold pool, and an outdoor terrace. The sensory experiential shower features various functions that produce sounds and scents, offering a truly unique and luxurious experience.

According to Minna Fontell, the director of housing services at Auratum Asunnot, the goal from the beginning was to make the finest residential building in Finland. ”So, the path was clear; we aimed for the best. That’s why Kesäkatu is now a unique Finnish combination of luxury and communal elements. The ease of living has been the aim in everything,” she says.

The renovation project involved demanding reinforcement work due to the building’s age. Janne Hietala, regional director of Auratum Asunnot, noted that the renovation work was meticulous, as a large part of the façade is protected. “Adapting modern technology to a mature structure was also challenging. As a renovation project, Kesäkatu is one of the most challenging residential construction projects ever completed in Finland”.

KESÄKATU WAS COMPLETED as Yleisradio’s headquarters in 1968. The building was designed by Kurt Simberg’s architectural office, known for designing the Hanken School of Economics main building, among others. Simberg’s implementation followed the socalled five-point program of the pioneer of modern architecture, Le Corbusier. It manifests itself, for example, in the airy and nearly four-meter-high column motifs of the ground floor and the building’s horizontal ribbon windows.

The original interior architect was Leena Kolinen, who had designed, among other things, interiors for Alvar Aalto’s buildings while working at Artek. For Kesäkatu, Kolinen’s designs included the sofas and the striking lamps of the main lobby, which are now protected and have been restored to their original glory. President Urho Kekkonen, along with many great people of their time, has walked along the limestone floor of the Kesäkatu lobby.

Before commencing the project, Auratum Asunnot conducted a survey to determine what buyers wanted. The wishes were fulfilled in the form of a gym, a private mail parcel machine, and security doors to each apartment. The housing society has also banned short-term renting to ensure a peaceful living environment for its residents.

The Valo Quarter will offer high-quality apartments situated within a charming, historic environment. The development will include a leafy green courtyard, a gym and sauna for residents, as well as a range of restaurants, cafes, and other services.

Auratum Asunnot places a strong emphasis on the design of the buildings and on carefully choosing the contractors. Huttunen-Lipasti Architects, as the lead designers, focus on sustainable and impressive architecture.

Asunnot conducted a survey to determine what buyers wanted. The wishes were fulfilled in the form of a gym, a private mail parcel machine, and security doors to each apartment. The housing society has also banned short-term renting to ensure a peaceful living environment for its residents.

Overall, Auratum Asunnot’s renovation of Töölön Kesäkatu represents a unique combination of luxury and communal living, showcasing the company’s commitment to creating high-quality living spaces that meet the needs and desires of modern homeowners. |

Töölön Kesäkatu in numbers:

• Year of completion: 1968 / 2022

• Property size: 23,000 m2

• Apartments: 146 (38m2-220m2)

• Garage spaces: 114

• Electric car charging points: 106

Find out more at www.toolonkesakatu.fi

Soile Goodall, +358 40 533 5533, asunnothelsinki@auratum.com

The Valo Quarter in Töölö, Helsinki.

Auratum Asunnot has announced their latest project in Töölö, Helsinki, set to be built between 2024-2026

The Valo Quarter will offer high-quality apartments situated within a charming, historic environment. The development will include a leafy green courtyard, a gym and sauna for residents, as well as a range of restaurants, cafes, and other services.

Auratum Asunnot places a strong emphasis on the design of the buildings and on carefully choosing the contractors. Huttunen-Lipasti Architects, as the lead designers, focus on sustainable and impressive architecture.

The Valo Quarter will feature high-quality materials and thoughtful details throughout, with three curated interior design concepts by Interior Design Office KOKO3, known for designing the new Finnair Non-Schengen lounge at Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The Valo Quarter promises modern luxury in a relaxed and fresh atmosphere, with a commitment to sustainability and responsibility.

Pre-marketing is set to begin at the end of 2023, with construction scheduled to start in 2024. The first building is expected to be completed in 2026. |

To stay informed about this new development, sign up to the mailing list at asunnothelsinki@auratum.com

Auratum Asunnot offers premium living opportunities by constructing new and restoring historic properties for contemporary living. Their projects are situated in prestigious locations, promising residents the highest quality of life. Visit www.auratumasunnot.fi for more information on their latest developments.