Bassi House

Conversion of a protected building into a restaurant

Renovation

Location
Turku, city centre

Client
Fast AB Svenska Gården i Åbo

Size
gross floor area 1 610 m²

Year
2018

Renovation, alteration of use, modernisation and extension of a high-value property built in 1829.

The history of the Bassi House dates back to before the Great Fire of Turku, and the house was built in its present form by pharmacist Erik Julin and designed by architect Charles Bassi. In addition to the Julin’s pharmacy, the building has housed a toy shop, a fabric store and a hardware store. The house has changed its appearance several times, but renovation work has revealed structures dating from before the Great Fire of Turku in 1827.

The design included improving the logistics and accessibility of the building, converting 595 m2 of former office space into a restaurant, and placing the toilets and kitchen in the extension. The attic of the building was also put into use. There, you can see structures that survived the Great Fire of Turku.

The aim of the design was to restore the dignity of the building, respecting its period and taking into account today’s requirements. The colours and materials found in the colour and material research carried out during the renovation, as well as patterns, have been used in the interior surfaces. In addition to fixed building elements, surface materials and fitted furniture, custom-made furniture and lighting fixtures were designed for the rooms.