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

Details

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

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