Award-Winning Lyyra: Success at the Global BIM Awards

The urban hybrid block of offices, a hotel, retail spaces, and housing, developed by Ylva and designed by ARCO, is situated in a dense city center location, directly above a metro station. Lyyra won a design competition in 2020 and was completed in 2024. In addition to serving as the lead architect, ARCO also acted as the BIM coordinator during the implementation phase.

The concept of Lyyra was to unify two plots separated by a pedestrian street into a cohesive block, offering versatile spaces for working, socializing, accommodation, everyday services, and living. Its location at a major public transport hub ensures excellent accessibility.

The design carefully considered the challenges of infill development within the existing urban fabric. The masses rising above the podium were divided into smaller sections to maintain view corridors for neighboring residents. The fully built-up plots incorporate planted terrace courtyards, creating green urban oases.

The buildings’ façade materials reflect the material and color palette of the surrounding structures, including Ympyrätalo and Arena House. The light-colored, textured brick grid adapts to the varying floor heights, while each section of the building features patinated copper window trims in distinct shades. The patterned metal railings on terraces and French balconies were inspired by the historic metalwork of the New Student House.

Lyyra’s life cycle carbon footprint has been assessed, with ambitious targets set for material reuse and minimizing environmental impact. The buildings comply with Finland’s A energy class regulations and have received LEED Platinum and WELL certifications. The construction site participated in the Inclusive Construction Site initiative, a pilot project within the OECD’s Business 4 Inclusive Growth network.

BIM technology played a key role in the project from its earliest stages. The BIM Awards jury particularly recognized the extensive use of data-driven building information modeling throughout all phases. Existing structures were laser-scanned to form a precise digital foundation for planning and coordination. BIM facilitated design integration across disciplines, provided critical data for cost estimation and procurement, and ensured a paperless construction site, with all personnel using tablets for real-time access to models and plans.

Lyyra was also awarded first place in the 2023 Tekla BIM Awards Finland.


Project Team
Developer: Ylva
Construction Management & General Contractor: Haahtela
Lead Architect & Principal Designer: ARCO
BIM Coordination: ARCO
Structural & MEP Engineering: Ramboll Finland Oy