Located in the Seutula district of Vantaa, Katrineberg is a scenic locale with a rich cultural history. Its built environment has grown over several eras and includes the 300-year-old Katrineberg Manor and the late 1950s-era Katriina Hospital. The area’s new development plan specifies several architectural principles:

• Any new buildings near the manor must complement its architecture, and the Finnish Heritage Agency must be consulted on the design.
• New construction must consist primarily of wooden residential buildings with no more than 2 storeys. Three-storey construction may be allowed at specific locations, such as along Katriinantie street.
• Façades and roofs must use the earth tones characteristic of traditional buildings.

Together with the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), the City of Vantaa is organising a public, international design competition for Katrineberg with the goal of designing new ways to supplement its historical built environment.

Competitors are invited to design a sustainable Katrineberg village that is both innovative and supplements the current building stock. New buildings should be small-scale to suit their historical surroundings. The goal is a verdant, village-like locale that serves its inhabitants and is also a nice place for an afternoon stroll. Competition entries are expected to respect the existing architectural heritage and scenery and to support the area’s natural diversity. Submissions should also be in line with the city’s carbon neutrality goals for 2030. The final date of entry is June 28th, 2024.