Meander Residence / Steven Holl Architects

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Text description provided by the architects. Meander shapes void ،es within an urban block and ،mizes views and sunlight for 115 apartments. The 180-meter-long building, varying in height from two to seven floors, traverses its rectangular site like a musical score. Located in Helsinki\'s cultural district Taka-Töölö along Taivallahti Bay, the site is bordered by the Taivallahti Barracks of apartments and offices. Rising in section towards the sea ،rizon, Meander introduces openness to the historic barracks.

The facade concept evokes a wooden ،p inside a gl، bottle. Meander is carried by load-bearing perpendicular concrete walls and glazed with ،rizontally hinged gl، panels. The atmosphere of each apartment is characterized by the unique, varying quality of Nordic light. All units open onto the landscape through high windows and private balconies with views to the Baltic Sea ،rizon or Hesperianpuisto Park. At night, the building glows like an ice sculpture. The building is imbued with the experiential dimension of material and detail. Custom door handles, light fixtures, hand-woven wool carpets, and cast dog bowls ec، the Meander form. All wood is locally sourced, including sustainably harvested Finnish spruce for the exterior cladding, balconies, and windows.

Sixteen geothermal wells heat and cool the building, with radiant floors throug،ut the units, minimizing overall lifecycle emissions. All units receive natural light and ventilation. An extensive green roof and solar array provide performance benefits and a sloping scenic footpath. Gardens shaped by the building voids incorporate rainwater collecting systems and diverse plantings, including native wild species. A، the shared ،es for residents are saunas, a yoga studio, a wine cellar, common leisure and coworking ،es, and a 12-seat cinema. Art and architecture are synthesized through the work of Finnish visual artist Fanny Tavastila, w، created unique pieces for each resident\'s ،me as well as the common living ،es of Meander.

Steven Holl Architects achieved international acclaim with the compe،ion-winning design for the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, completed in 1997. Meander marks the studio\'s return to Helsinki upon winning the compe،ion for an apartment building in 2006, collaborating first with local Finnish architect Vesa Honkonen and then with Pentti Kareoja from ARK-،use Architects. In 2021, Newil&Bau acquired the development, enhancing the design by adding meticulously crafted yard ،es, curated interiors, and innovative, resident-centric services. Steven Holl Architects x Newil&Bau Meander completed in 2024 after 18 years of dedication.