STAKES House

STAKES moved in 2002 to its present premises, STAKES House, in Helsinki. The house is located in Sörnäinen in the former industrial quarter of Elanto Cooperative. Some of the STAKES office rooms are situated in the renovated part of the building, previously Elanto's vegetable warehouse. Efforts have been made to preserve the historical heritage of the industrial area, and the new building sits well with the surrounding architecture.

STAKES House has been designed to be functionally, technically and ecologically sustainable. The needs of different user groups have been taken into account. The spaces are also easy to adjust.

STAKES is committed to promoting the accessibility of environments, services and products. In the design of the new building, attention has been paid to functionality and accessibility from the viewpoint of different users. In particular, the needs of people with disabilities and sensory impairments have been addressed. The aim has also been to provide flexibility and to make the rooms pleasant to work in.

Environmental friendliness, safety and ease of care have been important considerations in material choices. The latest energy-saving technology has been used in illumination and air-conditioning. In order to make the building easily accessible to people with special needs, some of the meeting rooms have been provided with, for instance, induction loops for those with hearing impairments. Attention has also been paid to sound attenuation, and appropriate signs have been provided. The accessibility of the auditorium for wheelchair users has been improved by using a sloped floor rather than traditional steps.

Facts

• STAKES street location
• Architectural design: Heikkinen – Komonen Architects
• Project manager: Engel Construction Management Ltd.
• Main contractor: SRV Viitoset Oy
• Owner: Senate Properties
• User: STAKES
• Floor area of the new part of the building: 10 656 square metres, floor area in STAKES' use in the renovated part: 2 922 square metres