The iconic Main Post Office building in the centre of Helsinki is currently undergoing a major facade renovation, including the replacement of parts of the facade that have been repaired in previous years to ensure a coherent look. The monumental building, completed in 1938, is located on the city’s parade ground and has the highest possible conservation rating.
The original design of the Post House was the work of architects Jorma Järvi and Erik Lindroos, working under the guidance of the experienced Kaarlo Borg. The original clinker cladding was executed in carefully considered shades by Kupittaan Save, which created a dignified and warm look for the building. Preserving this culturally and historically significant site for future generations has been a special honour for BRIX, and one that we approach with professionalism.
Project implementation and cooperation
The implementation phase of the Postal House facade started in spring 2024 and will proceed in two phases. The first will be the completion of the tall tower building facing Postgasse in 2025, part of which will already show the renovated façade as the scaffolding is dismantled. At the same time, the interior of the tower building has been completely renovated, offering its tenants first-class office space from spring 2025.
Due to the high cultural and historical value of the building, one of the project’s absolute requirements was to achieve a life cycle target of more than 100 years for the façade. The BRIX system was able to meet this challenge.
BRIX’s experienced design team has been closely involved in the façade design from the very beginning, together with the project’s principal designer Heikki Pietiläinen and structural designer Arto Kuusela. As a result of this collaboration, every detail was refined with respect for the old, but using modern construction techniques. In the early stages of the project, model fields were also created, which were approved by the Helsinki City Museum, the building inspectorate and the entire design team.
The special brick architecture of the Post House
The renovated façade of the Post House has been designed to closely replicate the original architectural solutions of the 1930s, making the building exceptional. Each clinker tile features a unique pattern in the shape of a post office watermark – a detail that has remained a distinctive part of the building’s appearance.
In addition, the façade is punctuated by two tiles of different sizes and two different types of trim, which accurately reproduce the varied and nuanced surface of the original façade. The tiles were manufactured by Tiileri, who fired the tiles in several batches to ensure a natural variegation of shades and a look that is in keeping with the original.
It was important that, in order to achieve a fully coherent façade for the entire building in the coming years, all the clay needed for the project was purchased and stockpiled before the project started. This ensured that later parts of the façade would retain a consistent colour scheme with the existing ones – respecting the original appearance throughout.
pattern, two different sizes of tiles and trim
and projecting window mouldings
Home-grown solutions that last from generation to generation
BRIX’s core values are domesticity and environmental friendliness. Building for longevity significantly reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy in the construction sector.
The renovation of the facade of the Helsinki Post House is a significant project for BRIX – it shows confidence in our expertise and the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the unique building’s history. We are proud to leave behind a lasting and valuable legacy that will enrich the urban landscape for many generations to come.
