By Introduction
In 2021, Virkkunen & Co Architects undertook the design of the Vuosaari Heat Pump Building, situated in east Helsinki near the Vuosaari harbor. Adjacent to the existing Vuosaari Power Plant A and B, the new facility represents a significant step towards carbon-neutral energy production in the region.
Integrating Sustainability
The design concept revolves around simplicity and functionality, seamlessly blending the new structure into the industrial landscape. The heat pump within utilizes excess heat from the existing power plant’s internal cooling water circulation during winter and seawater heat for half of the year, contributing to Helen Ltd’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Architectural Elements
Spanning two floors, the building houses essential process equipment, electrical and control rooms on the ground level, with a machine room situated above. Prefabricated concrete parts form the frame and envelope, lending the interior a rugged aesthetic with exposed concrete surfaces.
Facade Design
The exterior facade features mottled red brick cladding, paying homage to the adjacent Vuosaari B Power Plant’s architecture. Custom-made wing-shaped bricks adorn the upper parts of the longitudinal walls, adding a unique touch to the design. The east facade, facing the main entrance, boasts a double-skin structure with a glass curtain wall and steel tubes, offering protection from excessive heat and glare while showcasing the building’s internal processes.
Functional Form
The west facade provides access to auxiliary spaces and features a double-skin structure with a suspended steel stair, creating a visual connection with the exterior. Diagonally placed metal rods echo the trapezoid bricks, unifying the building’s design across all sides.
Human-Centric Design
By aligning facade treatments with interior spaces, the building communicates its functionality to the outside world while maintaining a human scale. This integration of form and function ensures that the Vuosaari Heat Pump Building not only serves its operational purpose but also contributes to the aesthetic and environmental harmony of its surroundings.
Conclusion
The Vuosaari Heat Pump Building stands as a testament to sustainable architecture and innovative design. Through thoughtful integration with the existing power plant complex and meticulous attention to detail in facade design and functionality, Virkkunen & Co Architects have created a structure that not only meets the demands of modern energy production but also enriches the architectural fabric of Helsinki’s industrial landscape.
