Suvela Chapel
[Image © Mika Huisman]
In the last months of 2016, the Suvela Chapel was completed and inaugurated in Espoo, a city just west of Helsinki, Finland. Designed by architectural practice OOPEAA’s principal Anssi Lassila, the aim was to provide a hub for the culturally-diverse neighbourhood, and a venue for religious and community events.
The building is a hybrid structure with timber elements as well as concrete and steel. Cladding the exterior are shimmering, multi-tonal copper panels, chosen for their sustainable credentials and to emphasise the unity of the building’s volume.
[Image © Mika Huisman]
Timber is used predominantly in the tall chapel hall on the walls and the underside of the roof, which are covered in spruce panels textured with ridges for improved acoustic quality.
The building wraps into a single U-shaped volume forming an intimate interior courtyard in the centre. The large roof angles up to match the height of surrounding buildings. The main chapel is located at the northeast end of the building, directly accessed via the main entrance. The smallest part of the building contains the parish facilities, while the southwest wing contains community services, including a soup kitchen.
[Image © Marc Goodwin, Archmospheres]
Lassila said:
"Providing schools, libraries and churches as places where people can come together in shared space has deep roots in the cultural tradition of Finland. The Suvela Chapel is part of this tradition."
Suvela Chapel was one of the four finalists for Finlandia Prize in 2016 (which OOPEAA won in 2015 for Puukuokka Housing Block), is amongst the nominated projects for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2017, and was awarded bronze in the American Architecture Prize 2016.
[Image © Marc Goodwin, Archmospheres]
Images and content courtesy of OOPEAA.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Why disputes occur and how they can be avoided.
Energy efficiency for the National Trust
Understand each building and its needs before exploring technical solutions and hiring consultants.
BSRIA report suggests smart connected HVAC is revolutionising the US and could do the same elsewhere.
The project is finally cancelled, following withdrawal of support by the Mayor.
‘Device to Root Out Evil’ - an upside-down, New England-style church built with its steeple in the ground.
The Grenfell Tower fire highlights the need for a holistic approach to fire safety engineering.
Will Brexit shake construction?
Opinion is divided on whether Brexit will undermine mega construction projects in the UK.
Still relevant, and still not fully implemented. Read about the background to, and recommendations of 'Constructing the Team'.
How to deal with retrofit risks
BRE Wales director Colin King considers how to improve the performance of historic buildings.
Results of the 4th and 5th set of tests have been published - and finally, something has passed.
China’s $900 billion New Silk Road. What you need to know.
What to consider when choosing a heating solution for glass façade buildings.