Two-storey living at the heart of a new neighbourhood

Kuninkaantammi, a new neighborhood in northern Helsinki, is nestled at the edge of the expansive green areas of Central Park and the Vantaa River. The residential area is also particularly attractive to young families. At its heart, the two sites of Silva form an inviting, small-scale collection of buildings. The architecture enhances the existing diversity and the village-like scale of the neighbourhood. A warm and earthy colour scheme creates a harmonious atmosphere. Moreover, the asymmetrical roofs with a continuous chimney ridge give the buildings a distinct character. The housing units line the perimeter streets and frame the inner courtyards. Thoughtfully placed openings within the blocks create connections between the public urban space and the semi-private courtyards of the residents.

The landscape design and functions of the inner courtyards are integral to the overall design. Apartments open towards the shared outdoor spaces, with private terraces serving as thresholds between indoor spaces and the inner yards, which form the heart of the blocks. The subtle integration of the rainwater harvesting systems, rainwater gardens and the quality materials create a pleasant, cozy, and green atmosphere in the yards.

The facades feature a discreet yet rhythmic placement of windows and other openings, a harmonious colour palette, and thoughtful variations in scale. The facades are clad in vertical wood paneling, painted in four different earthy shades. This approach divides the blocks into identifiable parts, with each housing unit painted in a different colour from its neighbour. Entrances are highlighted with dark-toned niches, while the small yard buildings are painted black and topped with green roofs. The housing roofs are clad in dark metal panels which accentuates the form and complements the wooden facades.

All apartments are two-storey units, ranging from one bedroom to larger family apartments. Half of the total units feature more than two bedrooms. Each apartment is connected to both the street and the shared inner yard through private terraces. Additionally, the living spaces and the terraces are oriented to maximize sunlight. The indoor spaces are light-filled and designed to make the most of the two-storey layout.