
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
Completed in 1952, the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki is a landmark of the functionalist era. Fyra’s mission was to update the hotel venues but at the same time, preserve the atmosphere of the 50s and respect the original design.
Client
Sokotel
Location
Helsinki, Finland
Area
1492 m²
Year
2020
Partners
Helsinki City Museum
Photography
Riikka Kantinkoski
Awards
Dezeen Awards 2021:
Short Stay Interior (longlisted)
Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2021:
Hotel (shortlisted)
Expertise Hospitality Design




During the process, the former 5th floor of the Sokos department store was transformed to new hotel rooms.
Unity was created by bringing similar bird reliefs to the rooms as in the lobby areas.
Fyra’s mission was to update the hotel venues but at the same time, preserve the atmosphere of the 50s and respect the original design.



Background
During the decades, the building was both repaired and renovated, so the key function was to visually unify the different parts of the building. In the process, lobby areas, rooms, floor corridors as well as the 10th floor restaurant were renewed. The former 5th floor of the Sokos department store was transformed to new hotel rooms.


Strategy & Delivery
In the renovation of the hotel, as much as possible of the original was kept – for example doors and brass numbering were preserved and refurbished and the old armchairs were re-upholstered. Unity was also created by bringing similar bird reliefs to the rooms as in the lobby areas. The lobby reception desk was renovated and at the same time the original furniture and lamps were refurbished.


The 10th floor restaurant hall is a partially protected site with many culturally and historically valuable elements such as the original chandeliers designed by Paavo Tynell. As the key factor of the restaurant is the view over the center of Helsinki, the obstructions in front of the view were removed to open the landscape even more, and the terrace was completely renovated. The restaurant is designed to operate from morning to night by modifying the lighting and different types of furniture.


Team
Eva-Marie Eriksson
Co-founder
Senior Designer,
Hotels and Restaurants
eva-marie.eriksson@fyra.fi
+358 (0)40 537 7350
Niina Sihto
Co-founder
Senior Designer,
WP and Concepts
niina.sihto@fyra.fi
+358 (0)40 508 0332
Tiina Närkki
Co-founder
Senior Designer,
WP and RE development
tiina.narkki@fyra.fi
+358 (0)40 536 3530
Elisa Ryhänen-Derrett
Interior Architect
Designer
elisa.ryhanen-derrett@fyra.fi
+358 (0)50 539 6900
Jasmin Wegelius
(on parental leave)
Interior Architect
Designer
jasmin.wegelius@fyra.fi
+358 (0)400 426 926
Merja Virkkunen
Architect
Principal Designer
merja.virkkunen@fyra.fi
+358 (0)40 515 3697