Sustainable Stone House Award 2024 for the Developers of the Pyynikin Trikoo Factory Area

The Pyynikin Trikoo factory area has been given a new life: like a village on the edge of Tampere city.

Hundreds of apartments, a hotel, a dance school, a café-restaurant, a microbrewery, and other services. This is the life of the over 120-year-old Pyynikin Tricot factory today. The great result was achieved due to a determined real estate developer, the shared vision of various parties, and the well-preserved, massive brick structures.

Established in 1903 in Tampere, the tricot factory is a central part of Finland’s industrial history. Over the decades, as the factory expanded, the buildings formed a compact area unified by red brick and consistent architectural facades.

Most of the factory area was built between 1934 and 1956. The expansions and infill buildings descend terraced from the ridge toward the Pyhäjärvi lake shore and spiral clockwise from the tower that is part of the oldest section. As a result of this phased property expansion process, the area resembles more of a small community than a single building.

The factory’s operations ceased in the late 1990s. Since the late 2010s, the architecturally and culturally significant factory buildings have been developed consistently, valuing their original appearance.

Excellent Living Conditions

The real estate developer is now DEAS Asset Management Finland, on behalf of the fund managed by abrdn, which purchased the property from the pension insurance company Varma in 2018.

– Since the property acquisition, the same people have been responsible for the development of the project, says property development director Johanna Saarivuo from DEAS Asset Management Finland.

The factory building is protected in the zoning plan. Saarivuo praises Tampere’s city planning and building supervision for their good cooperation, which enabled the planning of the zoning change in a solution-oriented manner.

Planning for the Pyynikin Trikoo area began in 2018 while the old zoning was still in effect. The new zoning plan came into force in 2022.

– The location of Pyynikin Trikoo on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi next to Pyynikinharju is one of the most beautiful in City of Tampere. Thus, it is ideally suited for high-quality living.

Additionally, the aim was to bring services and vibrancy to the area, with about a third of the building rights planned for accommodation and commercial spaces, Saarivuo explains.

The Centenary Structure Still Stands

Arco Architecture Oy has been involved in the project from the beginning as DEAS’s partner in both architectural design and zoning.

– The new functions in the area have been designed to draw strength from the spirit of the old factory buildings and yards, fitting into the area as harmoniously as possible, says lead designer, architect Jukka Leiwo.

According to Leiwo, the partly century-old brick structures of Pyynikin Trikoo were generally in good condition.

– The inner brick surfaces were plastered during industrial use. Now, the old brick surface has been revealed as much as possible. There was variation in the masonry style depending on the construction time and building, but this was considered an advantage.

The load-bearing structures of the buildings—column-beam frames with intermediate floors, massive brick walls, and beautiful stairwells—were entirely usable and largely preserved.

During renovation works, the original masonry structures and in-situ cast intermediate floors have been extensively utilized. This reflects the remarkably long lifespan and adaptability of these structures.

– Compared to new construction, this type of preserving renovation produces 40–50 percent less carbon dioxide emissions. Bricks were recycled very efficiently in the project, and new bricks were hardly needed. Old windows were also recycled to interested private individuals, Saarivuo adds.

Unique Dream Apartments

Converting an old industrial property always presents challenges for design.

– Since the buildings were originally designed for industrial use, the building frames are deep and the window divisions sparse. Therefore, apartments and hotel rooms can easily econimical grow too large in size. The challenge was to fit a sufficient number of bedrooms into the large apartments, says Jukka Leiwo.

– Adapting the apartment layouts to the existing structures required a case-by-case and apartment-specific approach. It was not possible to duplicate the floor plans because there were differences in openings and structures. For example, the placement of concrete columns did not follow the rhythm of window openings.

On the other hand, the original function of the old factory building required open floor space, considerable internal height, and minimizing obstructive structures.

– This also supports changing the use of spaces. A good example in Pyynikin Trikoo is the conservatory’s dance school, which operated in the area even before the conversion and continues in the new renovated space. A café, brewery-restaurant, and gym can also be more smoothly placed in large spaces.

The apartment distribution includes various sizes, from studios to five-room apartments.

– However, the emphasis was on family apartments. The number of studios was kept reasonable, Leiwo states.

The history of the building is reflected in the apartments. – The high ceilings, brick-faced old exterior walls, and old concrete ceilings with beams create a loft-like atmosphere, showcasing the old industrial history.

Around 150 apartments are already ready in the Pyynikin Trikoo area, with the same number coming in near future.

– Pyynikin Trikoo represents a dream living environment for many: a village-like community close to the Tampere city center and services, by the lake, closet to nature and good outdoor trails. The spaciousness and brightness of industrial architecture blend with all modern comforts in the apartments, says Johanna Saarivuo.

The Result of Good Cooperation

The extensive renovation and change of use of Pyynikin Trikoo factory demonstrate the sustainability and adaptability of stone construction. At the same time, the entire project has been advanced without compromising on high goals and with solid professionalism. The developer and architects of Pyynikin Trikoo were awarded the Sustainable Stone House Award 2024. This award has been given since 1994 to companies and communities that have participated in the high-quality execution of buildings made of brick and concrete built on-site.

– Architectural history shows that solid brick walls and concrete structures withstand the test of time well. There is every reason to believe that the buildings of Pyynikin Trikoo will endure for a long time, even if building technology and uses change many times over the life cycle of the buildings, says Jukka Leiwo.

Both Johanna Saarivuo and Jukka Leiwo agree that the renovation of Pyynikin Trikoo has been very successful. Positive feedback has also been received from residents.

– Most buyers have sought something different compared to the new construction stock for sale and appreciate the ruggedness of old industrial buildings, Saarivuo states.

Jukka Leiwo emphasizes that implementing large conversion projects like Pyynikin Trikoo is especially a team effort.

– Smooth cooperation among all parties is essential, as situations on-site can change during the project. However, the foundation of this project has been the developer’s determination and vision. All designers were experienced professionals in their fields. The project team also included a site architect who could respond quickly to design needs.

– Building supervision and zoning officials have been ready to assist with emerging questions throughout the project, and the contractor, especially the supervising foreman, has been able to find workable solutions within a tight schedule, Leiwo praises.

This year, the Sustainable Stone House group also awarded two honorable mentions. They went to As Oy Helsingin Muurarimestari, the developer Kestävät Kodit Oy, and the designer Avarrus Architects Oy, as well as Asunto Oy Töölön Castellum, the Helsinki developer EKE Rakennus Oy, and the designers Architects Kirsi Korhonen and Mika Penttinen Oy.

Text: Leena-Kaisa Simola
Images: DEAS Asset Management Finland

Pyynikin Trikoo, Pyynikintie 25, 33230 Tampere

Project Involvement
Area development and construction: DEAS Asset Management Finland
Contractor: Aki Hyrkkönen Oy
Architect: ARCO Oy
Project management, apartments: Ramboll Oy
Project management, commercial spaces: A-Insinöörit Oy
Structural engineering, apartments: Sitowise Oy
Structural engineering, commercial spaces: Sweco Suomi Oy
HVAC design: Engineering Office Erkki Leskinen Oy
Electrical design: Electrical Engineering Oy Kari Siren
Ground construction: Sitowise Oy
Interior design, apartments: dSign Vertti Kivi & Co
Interior design, commercial spaces: Design Studio Tom Dixon
Apartment sales: Huoneistokeskus Oy

Project Size
Approximately 36,000 square meters

Project Timeline
As Oy Pyynikin Patruuna: 2018–2020
As Oy Pyynikin Mestari: 2020–2022
Commercial spaces: 2020–2022
Underground parking: 2020–2022
Zoning change: 2018–2022
As Oy Pyynikin Kamreeri: to be announced later
As Oy Pyynikin Kisälli: to be announced later