Refurbishment and Modernisation of Kulttuurikasarmi

Kulttuurikasarmi, completed in central Helsinki, brings new energy to the city centre by creating a diverse range of opportunities in its prime location

Kulttuurikasarmi, a new meeting place for city residents, opened in the Lasipalatsi block on 17 November 2023. The project brings new vibrancy to the heart of Helsinki by creating a wide range of cultural, leisure and event opportunities at a central location. The complex includes a new BioRex cinema, restaurants, an event space, a pavilion and a performance stage, broadening the cultural offering of the city centre.

An anticipated project completed in the centre of Helsinki

The diverse Kulttuurikasarmi complex was delivered through an extension and major refurbishment. The result is a unique and welcoming public space at a prime site on the former bus station grounds.

The building itself has a long history. Completed in the 1830s, it is the only remaining part of the barracks complex destroyed in the 1918 Civil War. The refurbishment respected the historical and architectural value of the building. The outcome combines SRV’s expertise in refurbishment and urban development at the heart of the city.

The building now has two above-ground floors and an attic level. Three cinema auditoriums were excavated underground. In addition to the major refurbishment, the façades were restored. The total area of the project is 4,400 square metres and 28,000 cubic metres.

A demanding and culturally significant construction project in the heart of the city

The comprehensive refurbishment of this historic building began in October 2021. To deliver the underground cinema level, which extends beneath both the building and Lasipalatsi Square, approximately 2,400 cubic metres of rock was excavated to a depth of nearly ten metres. The underground level required substantial concrete structures.

The internal parts of the old building – including partitions and intermediate floors  –  were almost entirely demolished. The protected façade was supported with 75 steel piles, the foundations were extensively strengthened, and all internal spaces were renewed. As a historical detail, an old ceramic stove was protected during construction, original wallpaper samples were preserved, and brickwork was restored. The steel spiral staircase between the floors – the “Gilda staircase” – was installed in three individual sections, each weighing 4,000 kilograms.

“Kulttuurikasarmi brings together a prime city-centre location, the total refurbishment needs of a protected building, demanding excavation works, challenging concrete and steel structures, and spaces designed to meet a wide range of requirements - from cinema auditoriums and kitchens to restaurants and extensive public areas. The scope of the building services engineering was also significant, adding its own complexities as cables and systems were integrated into the confined spaces defined by the existing structure”, says Janne Helander, Project Manager at SRV.

Kulttuurikasarmi has been built in a lifecycle-wise manner and makes excellent use of the surrounding urban space. It is a cultural hub that offers visitors a wide range of experiences.