School and community centre in Meri-Rastila

OPUS Architecture

Project type extension and renovation
Location Helsinki
Gross area 9 157 m2
Existing buildings Kaarlo Leppänen 1993
Current phase building design in progress 

Architects’ viewpoint: The design of the Meri-Rastila multipurpose building is based on the winning proposal in a two-stage architecture competition. One of the key questions of the competition was to determine whether the objectives set for the multipurpose building could be achieved by repairing, modifying and extending the existing buildings designed by architect Kaarlo Leppänen in 1990s. 

Our proposal took the form of an open-ended architectural strategy, one that is prepared to react to the challenges and insights that are likely to arise during such a complex project. For example, the building complex had to be designed for phased implementation. However, the common thread running through the architecture has not been broken, as it does not consist of images but rather of principles and atmospheres.

The multipurpose building complex will comprise a comprehensive school, daycare centre, playground, youth centre, community centre and social spaces for home care workers. In addition to these, the building will serve a wide range of residential and recreational needs.

The new multipurpose building complex will have a village-like atmosphere. The existing white concrete and masonry buildings that blend into the snow in the wintertime and the new green wooden buildings that are in a dialogue with the summertime nature will be connected by low corridors. The new and the old aim to accentuate each other through a mediating contrast.

The plan is to apply for a building permit this fall, and construction work is planned to begin in spring 2027. The multipurpose building is scheduled to begin operations in fall 2029.

Visualisations and drawings OPUS Architecture



The multipurpose building will be implemented in phases. A key question for the architects has been how to develop a solution that responds to the current scale of the area while also being capable of evolving to suit a denser urban fabric. 
The new multipurpose building consists of new buildings and parts designed by Kaarlo Leppänen in the early 1990s.
The competition proposal featured a taller building volume at the edge of Meri-Rastila Square, but during the process it has been lowered. The chapel designed by Kaarlo Leppänen now has a more prominent role in urban space. The new part is designed so that it can be extended by adding extra floors in the future.
By studying the surroundings, the architects have incorporated local elements into the design, such as projecting eaves, low canopies at entrances, colonnades, climbing plants, and pergolas.
The existing white concrete and masonry buildings and the new green wooden buildings will be connected by low corridors.

Published in 4 – 2026 - Re-use

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