OOPEAA stacks puukuokka, a multistorey timber housing complex

finnish architecture studio OOPEAA has completed a residential block in the jyväskylä suburb of kuokkala – the first eight-storey wooden apartment building in finland. developed in collaboration with lakea, ‘puukuokka’ is an energy-efficient trio of multi-story timber-framed flats that neighbor the kuokkala church – also designed by OOPEAA. the completed building is the first part of a larger apartment complex, which will be built over the next two years. the buildings are composed of prefabricated modular elements made of cross laminated timber – utilizing the urban multistory concept developed by paper manufacturers stora enso. planned in collaboration with the jyväskylä city planning department, the project offers affordable, eco-efficient housing that is readily adaptable to the occupants’ changing needs.

the project is the first eight-storey wooden apartment building in finland
all images by mikko auerniitty, courtesy of OOPEAA

the larch wood elevation facing the central courtyard is animated with extruding balconies, and has been left untreated. conversely, the more reserved façade oriented towards the street has been covered with a coat of dark paint. the majority of the balconies are recessed and feature sliding glass doors that cover the entire length and height of the interior wall and open up vistas towards the surrounding landscape. internally, spacious hallways are flooded with natural light and offer a rhythmically arranged series of views. the building is characterized by the high quality of wooden surfaces throughout and by the carefully thought out nature of the scheme’s detailing.

the larch wood elevation facing the central courtyard is animated with extruding balconies

the use of prefabricated elements ensures a high standard of quality and minimizes delays, and other weather-related problems during the construction process. the modular cubical elements – made of cross laminated timber – are dry, adaptable, lightweight and ready to install. consequently, the frame serves both as a loadbearing and stiffening element, while also providing a vapor barrier and partial heat insulation. the construction method means that there are fewer joints and less material required than in conventional timber buildings, while there is also the reduced risk of installation flaws.

the wooden surface has been left untreated

‘puukuokka’ pilots a low-cost, low-risk financing model for homebuyers. after renting a unit for 20 years, the occupant becomes its owner. before moving in, the future proprietor pays a modest down payment: 7% of the home’s total value. the remaining sum is covered by a state-guaranteed bank loan.

the entrance to the housing complex

spacious shared hallways are flooded with natural light

living space includes recessed balconies

large windows fill units with generous quantities of light

rhythmically arranged views open out to the surrounding landscape

the apartment complex illuminated at night

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project info:

location: jyväskylä, finland
client: lakea oy
commission: direct commission
year: 2011 (commission) – 2014 (completion block 1) – 2015 (completed)
size: 18,650 sqm (floor area, whole construction): 14,000 sqm (apartments); 4,650 sqm (shared facilities)
architect in charge: anssi lassila
project architects: juha pakkala (construction stage), iida hedberg (design process stage)
other team members: jussi-pekka vesala (master plan stage) mia salonen, teemu hirvilammi, hanna-kaarina heikkilä, santtu hyvärinen
photography: mikko auerniitty