Woodspin production facility

To promote the transition towards a more sustainable future, the city of Jyväskylä and the municipalities of Laukaa and Muurame joined forces to build a production facility for Spinnova Oy.

Spinnova has developed a technology for turning pulp into textile fibre that can partially replace cotton but with a significantly lower environmental impact. Wood and its sustainable use are at the heart of Spinnova’s business, and this framed the rather demanding starting point for the architecture.

Not only did the resulting building need to be cost-effective, it needed to serve as the company’s headquarters and product development laboratory while feeling luxurious enough for customers visiting from Parisian fashion houses.

Wood structures and surfaces became an integral part of the building’s identity early on in the process. To enhance sustainability, the design emphasised conversion-readiness and energy-efficiency, even including a power plant that captures energy from the production process for distribution to Jyväskylä’s district heating network. In particular, the laboratory and office spaces are designed for maximum flexibility: if the business needs change, the resulting modifications will not require much effort.

Architecture

The exterior architecture draws its inspiration from wood used as fabric, covers, or clothing, and the building’s various shapes are reminiscent of how cloth is woven.

Due to their visibility, the main entrance and lobby were the design’s focal point. A sturdy row of pillars, initially vertical but shifting to a deepening incline as the entrance draws closer, guides visitors inside.

The pillars also support the building’s wide, protective eaves. Once indoors, pillars leaning in opposite directions come together, forming an almost pleated surface that is symbolic of wood’s transition into a fabric.

CREDITS

Arkkitehtipalvelu Oy

Jan Niukkanen (architect, Hull School of Architecture, Diploma in Environmental Design) works as the Jyväskylä office manager of Arkkitehtipalvelu. In his career, he has designed e.g. residential, commercial and office construction. In addition, Niukkanen is involved in project development and urban planning. Throughout his career, he has been interested in sustainable architectural design, which he tries to implement whenever possible.