Vallila C5

Vallila is a central district where different eras of Helsinki meet. Historic industrial buildings stand alongside modern workplaces, housing, and urban life.

“The special aspect of the project was the tension between old and new. We wanted to design a building that feels modern and forward-looking. At the same time, it had to respect the historic buildings surrounding it,” says Marcus Heinänen, Client Lead and Project Manager at Tengbom.

A piece in the urban fabric

When the zoning plan was revised, the opportunity emerged to develop the block along Aleksis Kivi Street. The site was located between existing buildings of significant cultural and historical value, placing high demands on the proposed architecture.

Rather than competing with its neighbors, Vallila C5 was designed to harmonize with them. While the brick façade, proportions, and rhythm draw inspiration from the surrounding buildings, it is equally clear that the building belongs to its own time.

At the top, the façade breaks into soft movements that help the building respond to the varying rooflines of the surrounding block.

Light as a building material

The first thing you encounter is light. Large glazed sections and generous ceiling heights create an open and airy atmosphere throughout the workplaces. The design team made daylight a central part of the experience, both in the offices and in the shared spaces.

In the largest meeting room, an impressive gable window extends from floor to ceiling, framing the city beyond. From the south-facing rooftop terrace, Helsinki’s rooftops unfold across the horizon. Veneer, natural stone, and warm materials create a calm atmosphere and offer a welcoming first impression from the moment visitors step through the entrance.

A pioneer in geothermal energy

The sustainability work began long before the first bricks were laid. The 21,000-square-metre building is LEED Platinum certified and uses geothermal energy as its primary heat source. More than 80 percent of the building’s heating is drawn from the ground beneath the site. This makes Vallila C5 the first office building in central Helsinki to be heated by such a large share of geothermal energy. Solar panels and green roofs further contribute to reducing the building’s climate impact.

98% reused and recycled

When the previous office building on the site was demolished, as much as 98 percent of the demolition materials were either reused or recycled. Parts of the existing building were also preserved for future use. This approach reflects the fundamental idea behind the commission: to make the most of resources, create long-term value, and build upon what already exists.