Hurraa! award to Metsola day care centre for merits in construction
Granted by the City of Espoo Environment Committee and Espoo Building Control, the award aims to reward work relating to the built environment that has been carried out with exceptional merit and success. The 2023 Hurraa! award goes to the Metsola day care centre in Tapiola.
Of the winning construction, the committee highlights the timber construction’s role in combatting climate change. In addition, the committee considers the beautiful and successful architecture of the building and its elegant spaces a merit. The gable roof, which resembles the wings of the flying squirrel, is also praised.
According to the committee, the design and implementation have succeeded in creating safe, healthy and versatile facilities for children and the needs of early childhood education. The main designers of the project are Vesa Erikkilä (2020–2022) and Marko Voho (2022–2023) from the architects’ office Arkkitehtitoimisto Innovarch Oy, which is now part of AFRY Ark Studio.
Honourable mention awarded to beach buildings’ facelift
An honourable mention was awarded to the facelift of the buildings at the Matinkylä beach which was implemented using art. The committee praises the residents-oriented implementation. The facelift, called “Merellinen puutarha” (“marine garden”), was initiated by the Matinkylä-Seura society and the works were executed by the art collective Mimmit peinttaa.
In the committee’s opinion, the artwork painted over graffiti creates a pleasant visual. The committee considers the facelift of the beach to be a significant act for the improvement of the quality and comfort of the built environment.
The Hurraa award is Espoo’s way of rewarding topical work relating to the built environment that has been carried out with exceptional merit and success. The award has been granted since 2014. Last year, it was granted to the Kirstinmäki city block of residential blocks of flats located in Espoon keskus.