Qiva Haaga, part of the City of Helsinki’s Developing Apartment Buildings programme, consists of three new buildings and Haaga’s old primary school, which is being converted for residential use. The new buildings—Koulupiha, Oppimäki and Koulukallio—and Villa Stenius have been designed as adaptable apartment buildings.
SSA Rakennus is bringing the QIVA concept to market. It combines the ease of apartment living with the flexibility and freedom of choice of a detached house. The project “Individual and adaptable living”, designed for Steniuksentie in Haaga, redefines the idea of living in an apartment building.
The concept is based on adaptability throughout the building’s entire life cycle. Through participatory housing design, future residents can adapt their home to their needs by choosing their preferred floor, floor plan and fittings. The innovative structural system of the new buildings enables not only varied floor plans, but also free placement of wet rooms and kitchens between apartments and floors.
The innovative structural system enables easy apartment alterations, building-services renovations and even changes of use. Residents do not have to move as their needs change; the building adapts to changes in their lives. The project also includes the renovation and conversion of the old school building on the site. In this refurbished building, the participatory design and adaptability of the QIVA concept are used while respecting the building’s historic character.
The old school’s assembly hall will be available to the entire housing company, creating a wonderful shared space for residents. The concept offers flexibility and individuality while respecting the environment and the historic building stock.
