Circular housing to Kiviruukki

Location Kiviruukki, espoo

course Housing design studio (MA)

Solo work

Spring 2026

grade 5

The project proposes a housing block for Kiviruukki with a strong focus on reuse, recycling, and adaptability. The block consists of four-story lamella buildings connected through accessible entrances on multiple levels to smaller rowhouse-scale buildings. The varied building volumes and close spacing create a village-like environment with interesting transiton spaces between the buildings, courtyard, and surrounding streets.

The reuse strategy is centered on the existing industrial building on the site, giving the block a strong visual identity. The design proposes an efficient approach to reusing existing concrete elements, including their processing and related waste material flows. Additionally, the project aims to create a strong tectonic character by clearly separating different building layers. Beyond aesthetics, this approach ensures easy maintenance and supports future reuse and circulation of materials.

The adaptability strategy leans into the organizational logic of the buildings through a clear distinction between fixed and flexible zones. The flexible zone is divided into spatial units that can be grouped into a variety of different apartments, with possibilities for unconventional ways of living. To make full use of the open flexible zone, the design introduces a modular system for the traditionally fixed layers of the apartment. Partition wall, storage, and kitchen units make up the system that gives the residents ultimate freedom to inhabit the space as they wish.

The partition wall element is secured between the floor and ceiling with an adjustable screw mechanism. Elements fit together with a tongue-and-groove connection. The next element covers the fastening screw of the previous one. A folding door fits into the last groove, completing the wall.

In the conventional layout, the apartment is furnished to meet the needs of a six-person family. The main bedroom is separated from the kids’ bedrooms by the living space. Two teenagers have a compact 7m2 room each, and the small kids share a larger bedroom. In addition to the main entrance, the apartment also has a secondary entrance serving as a mudroom and laundry room.

In the second layout, the apartment is occupied by a family of three, with a side apartment for an elderly person. The 27m2 side apartment is separate with a fixed wall according to the spatial units and can function as a fully independent apartment with its own kitchenette. The main apartment features two comfortably sized bedrooms and a living space sized for the use of both apartments.

The third layout is envisioned to function as a communal living solution for adults. Both of the base spatial units in the apartment are separated into private rooms with their own entrances, hygiene spaces, and balconies. Cooking, dining, and living, as more communal activities, are centralized in the shared space between the apartments, with plenty of room to host guests as well.