The Loft House

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The head office draws on the principles of loft construction and makes an impact with contrasts

The Loft House

Location: Espoo
Year: 2021
Area: 7500 m²
Client EKE-Rakennus

Photos: Martin Sommerschield, Kuvio

The Loft House is an office building commissioned by the well-known Finnish construction company EKE. The building that also functions as EKE’s headquarters resembles the company itself: it’s honest, down-to-earth, and prestigious. The architecture, which plays with contrasts in an unprejudiced manner, draws from both the past and the future – from the straightforward history of the 60-year-old firm as well as its current role at the leading edge of technology. The concrete and brick used in the building reflect the strong history and structure of the company. The material palette is balanced with warm oak, the emblem material of EKE (“oak” = “eke” in Swedish).

From distance, the facades appear punctual and clear. When observed from up close, the relief surface of the brickwork and the graphic composition of the windows provide the building with more depth and make it look warmer. At the main entrance, the simplified structure was broken by executing an impressive, sculptural section. The old handsome trees on the plot were saved by creating a welcoming entrance square for the building. Behind the glass wall, there is a lobby space that extends to several floors in height. It attracts the attention of those passing by and arriving in the building. The wide spaces that have been divided by large glass surfaces are also a reference to EKE’s future driven attitude.

A play of contrasts

The even window composition on the brick façade is a reference to the long history of the construction company EKE. At the main entrance, the simplified structure was broken by executing an impressive, sculptural section.

At the heart of the material palette is robustness, durability and human warmth

Already at the competition stage, a clear material palette was created for the building, reflecting EKE's identity. Simplifield brick and concrete reflect the solid structure of the company. Warm oak, on the other hand, brings warmth and humanity to the space while surreptitiously linking the material palette of the building to the name of the company.

A forward-looking building as a starting point

The aim was to make the building a symbol of both EKE's long history and the company's forward-looking attitude. Interiors open glass surfaces and the ambitious glass façade signal the company's forward-looking approach.