Maatulli School and Kindergarten
Maatulli School and Kindergarten in Helsinki is
designed with a strong connection to nature, creating a unique learning
environment that fosters well-being and holistic development. The design is
informed by research indicating that environments built from wood and proximity
to nature can positively impact children’s mental and physical health. Located
in a park area of Tapulikaupunki, a Helsinki suburb characterized by 1970s
prefabricated concrete housing blocks, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly
pathways, the new school aims to revitalize the area in line with its original
vision. The multifunctional school aspires to enhance the neighborhood's
character by strengthening community engagement and enriching the park
landscape, becoming a central gathering place that bridges Tapulikaupunki’s
urban life with its green surroundings.
The school is organized as a village of five wooden buildings, accessible from all directions, inviting nature inside. At the heart of the school lies a circular green courtyard, known as 'The Forest Glade’. This peaceful outdoor space places nature at the core of daily school life, enriching the learning environment with greenery and natural light and adding value beyond the original program. The courtyard, along with the surrounding outdoor learning spaces featuring local Finnish plants, plays a vital role in the school's educational philosophy by encouraging children to engage with nature and strengthening their understanding and care for the environment. The green schoolyard seamlessly integrates with the surrounding parks and pathways, creating one large unified learning environment that fosters community and social interaction among learners and residents.
Designed from a learner’s perspective, the school provides an inviting and flexible learning environment that fosters well-being, concentration, and creativity. Accommodating 700 students and 238 kindergarteners, the primary school and kindergarten emphasize an inclusive approach to education. Organized into distinct building blocks connected by central common areas, the layout creates a human-scale environment where learners and teachers can easily navigate and collaborate. This thoughtful layout ensures that all functions are conveniently located within close proximity to the central space and entrances. Each block has a unique character, housing specialized learning spaces, a canteen, a sports hall, and kindergarten facilities. The bright lobby serves as a focal point for social gatherings and circulation, enhancing the school’s community atmosphere. Many learning spaces are adaptable, equipped with movable partitions that allow for reconfiguration to suit various activities and needs. Moreover, this multifunctional building also serves as a community center for local residents during evenings and weekends.
Maatulli School and Kindergarten is one of Helsinki's first schools built using mass timber construction. The load-bearing structure primarily consists of glulam columns and beams, with CLT elements for the exterior walls and slabs, and is stabilized by CLT walls and concrete elevator and stair shafts. The building’s wood-clad façade, featuring vertical mullions, draws inspiration from the surrounding park and trees, creating a harmonious relationship between the exterior and interior. Each of the five distinct façades enhances the unique program of its respective block. Local timber is used as the primary material, with the design embracing its raw state to allow it to age naturally with the environment. The generous use of wood and other natural materials enhances the connection to nature, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where all learners can thrive and feel at home.
The school is organized as a village of five wooden buildings, accessible from all directions, inviting nature inside. At the heart of the school lies a circular green courtyard, known as 'The Forest Glade’. This peaceful outdoor space places nature at the core of daily school life, enriching the learning environment with greenery and natural light and adding value beyond the original program. The courtyard, along with the surrounding outdoor learning spaces featuring local Finnish plants, plays a vital role in the school's educational philosophy by encouraging children to engage with nature and strengthening their understanding and care for the environment. The green schoolyard seamlessly integrates with the surrounding parks and pathways, creating one large unified learning environment that fosters community and social interaction among learners and residents.
Designed from a learner’s perspective, the school provides an inviting and flexible learning environment that fosters well-being, concentration, and creativity. Accommodating 700 students and 238 kindergarteners, the primary school and kindergarten emphasize an inclusive approach to education. Organized into distinct building blocks connected by central common areas, the layout creates a human-scale environment where learners and teachers can easily navigate and collaborate. This thoughtful layout ensures that all functions are conveniently located within close proximity to the central space and entrances. Each block has a unique character, housing specialized learning spaces, a canteen, a sports hall, and kindergarten facilities. The bright lobby serves as a focal point for social gatherings and circulation, enhancing the school’s community atmosphere. Many learning spaces are adaptable, equipped with movable partitions that allow for reconfiguration to suit various activities and needs. Moreover, this multifunctional building also serves as a community center for local residents during evenings and weekends.
Maatulli School and Kindergarten is one of Helsinki's first schools built using mass timber construction. The load-bearing structure primarily consists of glulam columns and beams, with CLT elements for the exterior walls and slabs, and is stabilized by CLT walls and concrete elevator and stair shafts. The building’s wood-clad façade, featuring vertical mullions, draws inspiration from the surrounding park and trees, creating a harmonious relationship between the exterior and interior. Each of the five distinct façades enhances the unique program of its respective block. Local timber is used as the primary material, with the design embracing its raw state to allow it to age naturally with the environment. The generous use of wood and other natural materials enhances the connection to nature, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where all learners can thrive and feel at home.
LOCATIONHelsinki, Finland
TYPOLOGYSchool and kindergarten
SIZE10.000 m2
STATUS1st prize in open competition. Completed in 2024.
CLIENTCity of Helsinki
ROLELead design architect (prime consultant)
COLLABORATION Arkkitehtuuri- ja muotoilutoimisto talli oy (executive architect), Blomqvist Arkitektur (co architect competition and scematic design), DesignDesk Oy (furniture), Masu Planning (landscape), A-Insinöörit Oy (structural engineer), Tuomas Uueshimo (photography)
AWARDPublic Choice Award 2024
Finnish Wood Award 2024 nomination
TYPOLOGYSchool and kindergarten
SIZE10.000 m2
STATUS1st prize in open competition. Completed in 2024.
CLIENTCity of Helsinki
ROLELead design architect (prime consultant)
COLLABORATION Arkkitehtuuri- ja muotoilutoimisto talli oy (executive architect), Blomqvist Arkitektur (co architect competition and scematic design), DesignDesk Oy (furniture), Masu Planning (landscape), A-Insinöörit Oy (structural engineer), Tuomas Uueshimo (photography)
AWARDPublic Choice Award 2024
Finnish Wood Award 2024 nomination