The Lyyra block combines high-density urban structure, diverse uses and a human-scale design approach.
The project, developed with Ylva and selected through a two-stage competition, is based on two plots divided by a pedestrian promenade. It creates a vibrant mix of workspaces, housing, dining, retail and hospitality in a highly accessible public transport hub.
In addition to offices and apartments, the block includes a grocery store, food court, hotel and the rooftop restaurant Sfääri. Office spaces are designed as flexible, user-adaptable environments. Street-level restaurants and cafés open directly onto the urban space, while the underground food court connects seamlessly to the renovated metro ticket hall.
Running through the site, Siltasaarenkatu forms part of the significant Unioninkatu axis, linking Tähtitorninmäki to Kallio Church. In the design, the street is transformed into a pedestrian-oriented environment with terraces and active edges.
The buildings are carefully integrated into the existing urban fabric. Their massing is divided into smaller sections to maintain views and daylight for neighbouring buildings. Between the volumes, planted terraces create green, sheltered spaces within the dense city structure.
The façade materials draw from the surrounding context, including Ympyrätalo and Arenan talo. Light-toned brick façades, articulated to floor heights, are complemented by patinated copper window details. Metal railings reference the historic New Student House.
Sustainability has been a key driver throughout the project. The lifecycle carbon footprint has been carefully assessed, with ambitious targets for material reuse and emissions reduction. The buildings achieve Finnish A energy class standards, and LEED Platinum and WELL certifications are currently in progress. The project is also part of the OECD Business for Inclusive Growth initiative.
