Arhotie 20 is a block of flats that was renovated with brick cladding manufactured in the BRIX Facades factory. The main contractor was Lujatalo and the design was carried out by architect Tuija Peltonen (Keiko ARK). The project was commissioned by the City of Helsinki Housing Production ATT, project manager Heidi Tuuli-Lääkkö.
A key challenge was the renewal of the 250 mm high support beams above the windows, whose rounded lower part required special solutions. Our product allowed for a lighter, ventilated structure. This ensured uniform insulation and a technically more functional and secure system.
The design process - a solution was found through collaboration with Tiiler
Tuija Peltonen, the project’s principal designer, emphasised that the rounded shape of the support beams is an important part of the building’s appearance, and preserving it was a key objective in the facade renovation. However, the first planned solution was a rectangular one, as the rounded shape is technically challenging to implement.
However, Peltonen challenged the design team to find a solution that would both preserve the original form and improve the energy efficiency of the structure. We took up the challenge and set about developing a new way of doing things. In collaboration with the Tiiler brick factory, we developed a customised brick slab that allowed the rounded shape of the lower edge of the support beams to be maintained, while leaving sufficient space for insulation.
To ensure an innovative solution, a prototype was produced and presented to Tuija Peltonen , the building inspectorate and the property owner. The test piece demonstrated the functionality of the solution and met both the technical and visual requirements. The prototype provided all parties with a very high level of satisfaction and, thanks to the successful cooperation, the project moved forward to the implementation phase.
Benefits of an innovative solution
The final solution allowed for a uniform brick cladding also for the support beam, making the structure technically more functional. Now the entire cladding forms a single brick cladding, which visually perfectly resembles the old brick architecture and support beams, allowing for a uniform insulation and ventilation gap. In addition, the solution achieved the following benefits:
- Improved energy efficiency – The old insulation was replaced with Kooltherm insulation, which allowed the architecture to be maintained without increasing the external surface and brought energy efficiency up to today’s standards.
- Uniform ventilated structure – New uniform insulation for the entire wall. The ventilated structure prevents the formation of microbial colonies, increasing the longevity of the structure.
- Original shape preserved – The surface of the brick slab was plastered, preserving the visual appearance of the beam. BRIX brick cladding is also ideal for use under plaster, offering flexibility for a variety of façade solutions.
High-quality results through expert cooperation
The facade renovation of Arhotie 20 shows how traditional architecture can be updated to meet today’s requirements while preserving the original look down to the last detail. The project is also an excellent example of how collaboration between designers and material suppliers can produce innovative solutions that combine architectural tradition with modern and technologically advanced construction.
Through the collaboration between BRIX and Tiiler, products can be customised to meet the needs of even the most demanding facade projects, providing sustainable and functional solutions for a wide range of building applications.
