Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2017 | Page 37

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Make It Compact

Supplementary construction is one of the methods for creating compact city structures . Especially in Helsinki there are areas which would benefit from a more comprehensive approach in supplementary development . With this in mind , consultant agency WSP set out to create “ the total package ” for supplementary construction .

A rchitect Teemu Jama , Unit Manager

for Urban Architecture at WSP , says that a more holistic approach is attractive especially from the perspective of the property owners :
“ We ’ re able to deliver all the services under one concept , making it easier for the housing companies , for instance .”
In Vallila , Jama observes that the existing , strict separation of residential and business premises is rather outdated – and a more mixed-use approach would be more beneficial for modern , urban development .
“ Zoning practices could use a dose of courage , and trying out new things should be encouraged ,” Jama says , adding that the City officials seem to share , for the most part , these concerns , but that legislation can hinder new , creative solutions in zoning .
The need for supplementary construction is great and growing outside Helsinki , too . Jama points out that around the country there ’ s countless apartment buildings raised in the 1960 ’ and 70 ’ s , with big plots and generous ground level parking .
“ From the perspective of supplementary construction , it is clear that there is big potential there , just looking at the size of the plots ,” he says , pointing out that in many cases , new buildings can be constructed on top of existing properties , too .
Mika Matikka , WSP ’ s Business Area
Director , Renovation , is equally convinced of the potential inherent in supplementary construction . “ In solidifying city structures , it makes sense to utilise the existing infrastructure . There are plenty of urban areas which could use some retooling ,” he says .
Looking at Vallila , Matikka observes that there are a lot of old industrial properties which are not utilised very effectively right now . The message Matikka wants to communicate to the property owners is simple : there is definite value even in aging real estate , you just have to find the best way to access that value .
“ We see collaboration to be the best method to succeed in this .” l
New name , new venue : The Annual Convention of Property Investment Prospects is now

RE Finland 2017

9 th – 10 th November
Join the Finnish Real Estate Summit in the vibrant city of Tampere and find yourself in the middle of the Finnish Real Estate Business .
Kuva : Tampere-talo

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Registration fee 1 350 € + VAT Early bird discount -25 % until 9 th June .
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