ORTRAUM pushes the limits of technology with its stylish designs. The MK5 house has been praised in the press.
Pushing boundaries ORTRAUM is an architecture studio with an ambition: pushing the limits of technology while keeping the human at the heart of the design. Main designer Martin Lukasczyk combines the best of both worlds by mixing technical expertise with Nordic clarity of vision. A good architect, according to him, is a humble problem-solver who loves customer meetings.
I believe it can also play an important part in leading the construction industry towards a sustainable future and carbon neutrality,” Lukasczyk envisions. “Mak-
By Hanna Heiskanen | Photos: Marc Goodwin
For Martin Lukasczyk, architecture is a deeply personal and intimate affair. He runs ORTRAUM, a small Helsinki-based practice that specialises in small-scale, yet challenging, architectural projects. Hailing originally from Germany, but having built most of his career in Finland, Lukasczyk’s approach is a fascinating combination of both countries. “The German architectural tradition feels very technical to me. It’s a lot about engineering,” he says. “In Finland, designers take their inspiration more often from the natural world around them.” Lukasczyk talks about the coming together of technology and Nordic pristine126 | Issue 129 | October 2019
ness to produce a strong vision that also makes sense to the customer. “In a way, I’m trying to strip away everything that’s unnecessary, to uncover the essence of the design itself.”
Maisonette level.
Building sustainable solutions Thanks, to a large extent, to his technical background, Lukasczyk’s particular interest lies in pushing the possibilities of his practice, as well as the materials used, further. He is drawn to solid wood, a traditional yet modern element that has become the main material of nearly all his projects. “Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, isn’t just connected to the history of using timber to build houses.
Second Floor.
First Floor. Photo: ORTRAUM