The renovation of the facade on Kauppakartanonkuja also earned praise from the contractor
At Kauppakartanonkuja 3 in Helsinki, the dilapidated clinker brick facades of two apartment buildings were renovated. The largely new facade structure was constructed over the old facade using additional insulation and ventilated BRIX Classic brick-tile cladding. Only in the stairwells was the old shell structure demolished before the new facade was installed.
During the facade renovation, the buildings’ characteristic red clinker appearance, staggered course, and visible joint lines were preserved. Instead of clinker, however, the new cladding was implemented using BRIX Classic brick tile cladding, in which the brick tiles used are slightly larger than the original clinker tiles.
The collaboration began as early as the bidding phase
The collaboration between BRIX and Jatke Julkisivut Oy began as early as the bid calculation phase of the project. As the project progressed to the implementation phase, the collaboration continued in the areas of measurements, design, and site preparation. According to Mika Räisänen of Jatke Julkisivut Oy, communication and collaboration worked well throughout the entire project.
The plans for Kauppakartanonkuja 3 were drawn up based on precise measurements taken at the construction site. According to Räisänen, the careful measurements were also evident in practice during the installation phase. Since the initial data was accurate, the installation of the BRIX brick tile panels proceeded smoothly.
Before installation began, clear installation instructions for the BRIX system were delivered to the construction site, and a BRIX expert also visited the site to provide guidance to the installers. This ensured that support for the installation was available in the form of both written instructions and hands-on guidance provided on-site. Räisänen describes the system as practical and relatively easy to install.
Winter Installation and the Benefits of Domestic Production
One of the advantages of the BRIX system is that its factory-manufactured components allow for winter installation. Installation work on Kauppakartanonkuja was carried out even during the winter season, so the project could continue even in colder conditions. Brick-tile cladding can be installed without the need for curing or heating, as only the joints between the brick-tile panels—which are made on-site—require temperatures above freezing. If necessary, grouting can be postponed until warmer spring conditions. This provides more flexibility in scheduling the facade project.
Deliveries of brick tiles to Kauppakartanonkuja proceeded according to the agreed schedule, and the minor delivery delays had no impact on the project’s overall schedule. However, in the early stages of the project, dimensional deviations in the joints were observed in a few batches delivered to the construction site.
The issues were addressed quickly, and replacement brick tile panels were delivered to the construction site on a tight schedule. BRIX’s Finnish origins and domestic production enable a rapid response in situations like these. When design, production, and the construction site work in close collaboration, the necessary changes can be quickly implemented in production, and replacement products can be delivered to the site without lengthy supply chains.
The new facade also met the contractor’s expectations. Räisänen describes the BRIX system as practical and relatively easy to install. Cooperation also remained smooth from the bidding phase all the way through to the completion of the facade.
Brick: Tiileri, Tinto smooth 285×60
Joint: R222 white
Laying pattern: vertical course
More photos in the projects
