Lahti City Hall

Extending the life of a valued landmark

We refurbished Lahti City Hall in the city centre while respecting the building’s original character and the architectural layers from different eras. The approximately 5,800 gross square metre project began with a development phase in March 2020, followed by refurbishment works starting in summer 2021. The renewed City Hall reopened in autumn 2023.

Originally completed in 1912, the building required significant upgrades to its building services engineering, carried out with respect for its heritage and architectural identity. The new systems deliver energy efficiency and enable controlled indoor conditions for adaptable spaces. In total, 57 kilometres of new electrical cabling were installed. The lighting solutions combine features of a modern office environment with tailored solutions for protected spaces. For example, 300 historic luminaires were restored and complemented with energy-efficient LED lighting. The upgraded systems support the building’s functionality long into the future.

Copper-covered inner courtyard

The most striking transformation took place in the building’s inner courtyard. A steel-and-glass canopy was added, featuring a patinated copper surface that complements the character of the historic landmark. A glass skylight running along the sides of the canopy filters daylight into the courtyard, creating a distinctive atmosphere together with the space’s impressive acoustics. Copper was used widely in the refurbishment — a total of 15,500 kilogrammes.

“The courtyard structure and the new entrance beneath the tower are the most significant and technically demanding new elements of this major refurbishment. They reflect the project’s close collaboration and the achievement of its architectural, technical and functional goals. The transformation adds a new, communal heart to the building,” says Sari Honkanen, Project Manager at Lahti Premises.

A unique heritage refurbishment requiring extensive cooperation

As a culturally significant and architecturally distinguished building, Lahti City Hall was a demanding refurbishment project for which the alliance model proved highly suitable. SRV served as the implementation partner, with Arkkitehdit Tarkela Oy, Granlund Oy and Ideastructura Oy forming the design consortium, and Lahti Premises as the client. In the alliance model, all parties worked in close collaboration towards jointly defined objectives.

“In addition to the typical challenges encountered in major refurbishment projects, we faced the impacts of the pandemic, the war and issues with material availability and pricing. Through good communication, clear targets and constructive cooperation, these challenges were resolved, and the project was completed on schedule,” says Harri Martin, Project Director at SRV.

Lahti City Hall is one of Eliel Saarinen’s most notable works in Finland and a recognised landmark of Finnish architecture. The project required close cooperation with the ELY Centre, the Lahti City Museum, the Finnish Heritage Agency, city planners and building control authorities. The building’s final protection status entered into force upon completion of the refurbishment.

Situated on Mariankatu, a street of both regional and national cultural significance, Lahti City Hall holds an important place in the city’s history. The refurbishment was completed in time for the anniversary year 2023, marking 150 years since the birth of the renowned architect.