2 700

5 900

4050

9 100

How to ensure that a building can be active and popular over its maximum lifespan?Adaptability is the fundamental goal. Rather than a generic box with an abundant (therefore ofteninefficient) floor height, Monitoimipuutalo incorporates 4 different floor heights. All multiples of theminimum height of 2,7 m., the apartment's standard floor-to-ceiling height. Different heightsdefine different spaces optimised to host different functions.

S-premises: height 2,7 m, the module -> small repetitive units as housing in all its variationsM- premises: height 5,9 m, or 2x the module + floor slab -> medium size spaces often enjoyinga mezzanine option, as for eating, leisure, etc.L- premises: height 4,05 m, or 1,5x the module -> large size spaces as for working, learning,shopping, double height option (see Main structural ideas), etc.XL-premises: height 9,1 m, or 3x the module + floor slabs -> leisure, sport, art, etc.

Extreme variety in section is combined with an extreme simplicity in plan. The bearingtimber structure follows a standard module of 8,10 m through the whole building. This combinationof variety and standardisation frees the space to be used for a wide range of activities.

The public functions are host at the lower levels, so to foster interaction between inside andoutside, engaging with the neighbours and inviting to enter the full height atrium or take a shortcutthrough the vegetated passage. As the programs inside the building change over time,Monitoimitalo flexibility and generosity will keep it active and popular.

Main structural ideas

The beam-and-post structure follows amodule of 8,10 x 8,10 meters and4,05x8,1 in the dance hall. The doubleheight allows for maximum flexibility ofconfiguration and functions during thebuilding's lifespan.The beam-and-post structure is madeof multiple-glued GLVL elements,composed of LVL-P laminas.Each beam is sandwiched between apair of columns and screwed together.Integrated rim beams are made ofLVL-P as well.Column: 600x210 mmBeams: 1000x210 mm

Lateral load resistance is provided bythe vertical core walls, which are madeof CLT panels (or alternatively LVL-Cpanels).LVL-C bracing panels on the short sidesare used instead of steel cross braces.Moreover LVL-P beams are used in theXL-premises to provide later stability.

The floor plans use open box slabs(Kerto-Ripa panels), chosen to cover thelong spans floors and stay within 500mm total floor package height.A concrete screed layer on top of thetimber panels hosts the underfloorheating system and acts as fire break.Wood is left visible both at the top(parquet) and bottom (LVL-C or CLTpanels) of the floors slabs.The timber frame structure hosts theXL-, L- and M-premises.

Prefab housing units (S-premises) sitstop of the timber frame structure. Thehighly prefabricated modules have awidth of 4,05 m, which is exactly halfthe frame module. Wet spaces are fullyfitted in factory and vertical serviceducts are integrated between theprefabricated units and the hallway andvertical core.

S M L XL S-premises = 1 module heigh

XL-premises = 3x module

M-premises = 2x module

L-premises = 1,5x module

Site plan 1:2500

View of a Dance School's hall with the atrium and cafe in the background