Tapiola Setlementtiasunnot is a communal and ecological rental building, which is among the first projects to receive social financing from Kuntarahoitus (Finnish Municipal Finance). The property utilizes the RTS environmental classification, ensuring that the ecological perspective is considered throughout the project. Tapiola Setlementtiasunnot is also one of the first projects by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA) where environmental classification is being piloted. The RTS environmental classification helps implement environmentally responsible construction and property maintenance by utilizing an environmental classification system developed for Finnish conditions.
Living at Setlementtiasunnot is communal
Community is a central theme for all Setlementtiasunnot properties, considered in both the buildings and their operations. In all Setlementtiasunnot properties, a portion of the apartments is reserved for special groups, such as young people transitioning to independent living, seniors, or individuals with intellectual disabilities. Diversity is part of our everyday lives.
Setlementtiasunnot’s housing coordinator team supports residents in their daily lives and utilizes shared spaces in their activities. The coordinators also establish a partner network of third-sector organizations to support the neighborhood.
The ground floor of Tapiola Setlementtiasunnot features a resident lounge with a shared kitchen, large dining tables, sofas, and cozy decor. This space can be used for events such as parties, hobby meetings, and conferences. The resident lounge also provides a daily newspaper and a shared computer.
Other shared facilities in the property include a quiet workspace, a workshop, and a laundry room. The building will feature two unique 40 m² glazed communal balconies: one designed for celebrations (e.g., children’s parties and birthdays), shared activities, and dining, and the other for relaxation and quiet contemplation. The terraces will be furnished to support their functional themes.
On the rooftop floor, residents have access to two saunas. A large portion of the roof serves as a rooftop garden and lounge terrace, a communal living room for residents, which will also include cultivation boxes.
Tapiola Setlementtiasunnot, Jousenpuistonkatu 9, Espoo
Setlementtiasunnot Oy is constructing a 73-apartment ARA-funded rental building in Jousenpuisto, Espoo.
The location of the Jousenpuisto property is excellent: a metro station, diverse sports facilities including the Tapiola Sports Park’s sports halls, and Tapiola’s comprehensive services are all nearby. The EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art is only a short walk away. In the coming years, approximately one thousand new residents will move into apartments being built in Jousenpuisto, which surrounds the Urheilupuisto metro station. Four apartment buildings are already occupied in the area. The new Jousenkaari school will be completed in 2022.
- Total floor area: 2791.5 m²
- Apartments: 73, of which 15 are for special groups
- Average apartment size 39 m²
- Social financing from Kuntarahoitus
- RTS environmental classification
The property utilizes the RTS environmental classification, which ensures that the ecological perspective is considered throughout the project. This is the first ARA project where environmental classification is being piloted. The RTS environmental classification helps implement environmentally responsible construction and property maintenance by utilizing an environmental classification system developed for Finnish conditions. The property’s energy class is B. A solar power plant will be installed on the building’s roof to generate energy for the property’s needs.
Developers
Principal Designer: Arkkitehtitoimisto Helamaa&HeiskanenContractor: Pohjola Rakennus Oy
Developer Consultant: A-Insinöörit Oy
Landscape, Rooftop Garden, and Outdoor Lighting Design: Taina Suonio, Roslings Manor Gardens
Resident selection and building completion
The property is estimated to be completed in November 2021, and applications for residents will take place during autumn 2021. Resident selection will be conducted as stipulated for ARA apartments. We will announce the start of the application period on our website.
Further information:
Development Director Lauri Isotalo,
tel. +358 50 471 7159, lauri.isotalo (at) setlementtiasunnot.fi
CEO Heli Kotilainen,
tel. +358 50 433 9226, heli.kotilainen (at) setlementtiasunnot.fi
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RTS Environmental Classification – Towards environmentally responsible construction and property maintenance The environmental classification system has been developed for Finnish conditions, taking into account Finnish circumstances, legislation, and the diversity of the property stock. The RTS environmental classification is based on European standards (CEN TC 350 standards) and brings together the industry’s shared good domestic practices. More information: https://cer.rts.fi/rts-ymparistoluokitus/
Kuntarahoitus’s social financing funds investments that generate broad social benefits. The funded projects have positive impacts on their environment and community: they promote, for example, equality, community spirit, well-being, or the vitality of the area. More information: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/palvelut/yhteiskunnallinen-rahoitus/
Setlementtiasunnot Oy was founded in 2000 and is a communal housing developer that promotes multi-generational block living. Setlementti brings a human-centered approach to housing, recognizing people’s skills and expertise, and accepting diversity. The company is a member of Arvoliitto, an association of social enterprises, and Green Building Council Finland, which promotes sustainable construction. The company also holds the Ekokompassi environmental system certificate, which focuses on practical and concrete measures. Setlementtiasunnot Oy owns a total of 19 rental buildings in Espoo, Helsinki, Hyvinkää, Joensuu, Tampere, Turku, and Vantaa. In its strategy, Setlementtiasunnot Oy has defined its focus on developing communal, ecological, and affordable rental housing. www.setlementtiasunnot.fi
