Luuppi, designed by Olla, is one of a kind: Finland’s first second-hand shopping centre redefines the concept of the circular economy
Matkus Luuppi in Kuopio is a unique development combining a recycling station, a second-hand shopping centre and services that promote the reuse of materials. Olla had the pleasure of designing the exceptional centre, which is unique both on a national and international scale. “We are proud of the project and the endresult. What makes us especially proud is the purpose the building serves: promoting the circular economy at a time when it is so urgently needed,” says Helmi Mälkönen, the project’s principal designer.
At Luuppi, customers can bring unwanted items back into circulation, discover finds in second-hand shops and visit the recycling station – all in one trip. Items that are still usable are directed towards reuse, either as they are or after refurbishment. Materials that can no longer be reused are sorted and recovered as raw materials or energy. Located next to Shopping Centre Matkus, Luuppi aims to make the circular economy as easy and attractive as any other part of everyday life. Bringing circular economy services to an already familiar and popular location is a key part of the concept.
Architecture reflects the exceptional nature of the shopping centre
Olla was responsible for Luuppi’s principal, architectural and landscape design, as well as the interior concept in collaboration with the client.
“In a project with a tight budget, the functionality of the spaces was particularly important. It therefore felt natural to base the architectural expression on simple, honest materials that also provide a neutral backdrop for the second-hand goods,” says Helmi Mälkönen, the project’s principal designer.
The core group of Olla’s multidisciplinary design team also included architect Pinja Finell, interior architect Kaisa Eriksson and landscape designer Laura Ojala.
Luuppi is intended to represent a new approach to second-hand retail. Helsingin Sanomat described the result as resembling a new shopping centre, or even a library: the openness of the spaces, abundant natural light and light-coloured wood surfaces differ significantly from the conventional image of a recycling centre. At the same time, reused materials have also been incorporated into the building itself. Surplus and reclaimed timber from the construction site was used for the exterior fences, while recycled concrete well rings were repurposed as planting beds in the outdoor areas. Used air handling units were utilised as part of the building services systems. A work of art made from recycled materials will later be added to the facade.
“In the interiors, circularity is expressed, for example, through reducing material layers, using timeless materials and incorporating reused furniture. Immaterial elements such as lighting were also used to create a welcoming and timeless atmosphere,” says Kaisa Eriksson, Olla’s interior architect.
The design of Luuppi drew inspiration from ReTuna in Sweden, which describes itself as the world’s first shopping centre for recycled goods. However, Luuppi’s concept takes the concept even further, as a recycling station for waste is also located in connection with the shopping centre.
The total floor area of the building is approximately 6,500 square metres. The facilities are spread across three floors and an outdoor area. The outdoor area includes a drive-in sorting area, which supports the efficient processing of recycled goods.
The first floor focuses on sorting and storing recycled goods. It also houses an electrical and electronic equipment workshop, a bicycle repair shop, a high-ceilinged event hall, a café and a furniture shop. Customers can bring small recyclable items to the sorting point located on the first floor. Larger items are taken through the outdoor area either for sorting for re-use or directly to the recycling station.
The second floor houses more second-hand shops, while the third floor contains educational and office spaces.
A flexible building that serves as a platform for development
Luuppi is a collaborative project between Matkus Shopping Centre, Jätekukko Oy, which operates the recycling station, and Elävä Säätiö and Elävä Kauppa Oy, which are responsible for the retail operations. Elävä Säätiö provides employment opportunities, and Luuppi offers new and exciting work opportunities for people in a variety of life situations.
Luuppi is designed to evolve together with its users. The walls between the shops and the movable furnishings can easily be rearranged, allowing the spaces to adapt to changing needs. Open, marketplace-like areas provide opportunities for a wide range of events and workshops. Luuppi is therefore intended not only as a place for putting the circular economy into practice, but also as a platform for its continued development.
Future plans include studying material flows, developing new operating models together with local educational institutions, and strengthening employment and training opportunities related to the green transition. Luuppi aims to direct more than 4,000 tonnes of material towards reuse every year and increase the current reuse rate from 2–3 % to as much as 20–30 %.
Inquiries:
Helmi Mälkönen, principal designer
helmi.malkonen@olla.fi
