Building permit granted for Sponda’s sustainable state-of-the-art office and retail building at Mannerheimintie 14
Sponda Ltd Press release 9. December 2022, at 9.00 a.m.
Building permit granted for a sustainable state-of-the-art office and retail building at Mannerheimintie 14
Sponda Ltd, one of Finland’s leading real estate asset management companies, confirms that the City of Helsinki has approved an application for a building permit in Mannerheimintie 14. The permit allows for the development of a premium new office and retail property in the heart of Helsinki. The proposed new building will combine high-quality design with the principles of sustainable construction. Active marketing will begin shortly.
The current office and retail building at Mannerheimintie 14 will be replaced by a newly built structure featuring high-quality office and retail premises meeting the needs and expectations of today’s businesses, brands and their employees. The new premises can be flexibly transformed to suit different purposes – from open-plan space or activity-based offices that support hybrid work, to experiential retail spaces.
Spanning c. 17,000 sqm, the development will offer over 12,300 sqm of office space, up to six retail units as well as a new restaurant.
“Helsinki city centre has a limited amount of large, modern and flexible premises available that fit the needs and requirements of corporate headquarters and flagship stores. I am pleased that the City has approved the permit application which will lead to a highly sustainable and flexible commercial property at Mannerheimintie 14, in one of Helsinki’s prime locations. The project will help create a better building and keep the city centre alive and vibrant, whilst developing the city scape.” says Christian Hohenthal, CEO of Sponda.
The new-build is designed to be one of the most energy efficient in the Helsinki Central Business District. Its lifecycle’s carbon footprint has been minimised and its in-use energy consumption is carbon neutral. The carbon footprint per user would be 34% smaller in the new building, compared to if the existing building was refurbished.
The energy used in the building would be through a mix of renewables, including electricity generated by solar panels installed on the roof and by wind power. The planned new building is seeking the highest-level LEED Platinum environmental certificate and WELL certification. In addition, the initiative will meet EU taxonomy requirements.
The new cityscape-enhancing building
With the new-build, one of the most prominent blocks in central Helsinki will undergo a significant transformation but still be integrated within the existing cityscape. The building will follow the rhythm and height of the neighbouring façades, while an open and higher ground level floor would enliven the street space the pedestrians. Minimalist architecture, use of the best quality materials and first class construction are at the heart of the planning and execution of the project.
“It has been really inspiring to design a building for a prime location in the center of Helsinki. The new-build would add a new layer in the cityscape, respecting the traditional city center’s façade structure and connecting the new-build with its neighbouring buildings better than the current building.” says Sarlotta Narjus, CEO of SARC Architects and the chief architect of the project.
The project has been planned and prepared in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki, neighbours, and other stakeholders.
- For more information see: https://www.mannerheimintie14.fi/en/
- Images of the new building: https://media.sponda.fi/bank/new_mannerheimintie14_images
Sponda Ltd
Further information:
Anita Riikonen, Marketing and Brand Manager
tel. +358 40 833 3804, anita.riikonen@sponda.fi
Sponda Ltd is a leading real estate asset management company in Finland specialising in owning, managing, developing and letting commercial properties in the largest cities across the country. With a focus on customer-oriented solutions and high-quality properties, Sponda is actively developing best practice in the sector, enhancing the cityscape in a sustainable way and supporting its customers. www.sponda.fi/en.