OP Financial Group innovation and training centre

The 860-sqm wood-built innovation and training centre for the OP Financial Group in Kuusisaari, Helsinki forms an inspiring environment for events, workshops and training. The goal of the project, completed in 2022, was to replace the existing corporate hospitality premises with up-to-date, multifunctional facilities to support evolving forms of hybrid and collaborative work for the client's staff and stakeholders.

The building’s functional solutions, structures, and understated, timeless architecture were designed to withstand time both technically and visually. The two-storey building sits on a seaside slope at the end of a narrow, wooded plot. From the street, the upper main level appears as a single-storey, partly transparent structure that blends into the landscape.

The main entrance on the upper level opens to a view of the sea through the multi-purpose lobby/hall that runs through the building, doubling as a break and dining area for the adjacent innovation rooms and a hospitality space for functions, served by a full-sized kitchen. The four innovation spaces can be closed off with movable glass walls for separate events or flexibly combined to create cosy and inspiring environments for diverse needs, encouraging interaction and community. Furniture and equipment is easily movable into different configurations to support various ways of working. Large windows and wide terraces opening to the garden or sea introduce abundant natural light and an invigorating view of nature, while the solid timber-clad walls facing the neighbouring lots provide privacy.

The lower level allows for more relaxed get-togethers in the comfortable lounge/meeting room and sauna area, which open to separate, sheltered terraces providing direct access to the shore and sea.

The interior features ash slat ceilings and parquet flooring, with black window casings and veneer walls providing a bold contrast to the warm timber hues. Finnish art and design are showcased throughout.