Chemistry buildings

Old Chemistry

The prestigious property located on Bulevardi in Helsinki’s Kamppi district consists of two connected buildings, the New Chemistry and the Old Chemistry.

Old Chemistry is a red brick building situated in the inner part of the block. It was completed in 1899 as the chemistry laboratory building for the Polytechnic Institute. The architect was Onni Tarjanne, who also designed the laboratory’s extension in 1921. The building housed the chemistry laboratories, as well as teaching and working spaces for the Technical University.

Old Chemistry was previously part of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ Bulevardi campus. The building contained teaching and workspaces for the university. It was constructed as an extension to the original chemistry laboratory building, to which it was connected by a walkway. Until the 1940s, the building was known as the “New Chemistry.” The original laboratory building was destroyed during the war, and the current New Chemistry building was completed in its place in 1949. The red brick Old Chemistry is located behind the New Chemistry building and the Bulevardi 29 building, bordering the eastern edge of the lot, opposite the Alexander Theatre.

The red brick building adds an interesting layer to the architectural ensemble of the block. It stands out from the other buildings due to its façade material and distinctive form. The interior of the building was repaired after a fire caused by bombings during the Winter War, and it was also fully renovated in the 1980s.

New Chemistry

The New Chemistry building was completed in 1949. It represents a minimalist, rational form of modernism. Architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén designed the building in the center of the Technical University block, on the site of buildings that had been demolished following bombings during the Continuation War. The building served as the chemistry laboratory and teaching facilities for the Technical University.

New Chemistry was also part of the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ Bulevardi campus. It is the newest addition to the educational block complex. Located in the center of the block, behind the main building, it is symmetrically aligned with it. New Chemistry is connected to the Old Chemistry building via a staircase and the basement. The basement also provides access to the main building.

From Educational Use to Residential

After the cessation of educational activities, a detailed plan was developed for the block of educational buildings, allowing the area to be transformed into residential, commercial, and office use. Following the renovation of the Chemistry buildings, the New and Old Chemistry will be converted into rental apartments by Kojamo.

The renovation has been carefully planned, respecting the history and values of the building. The exterior has not significantly changed, except for the addition of residential balconies on the courtyard side. A new residential floor with stunning terraces offering urban views was added to the attic. The new apartments will be located on floors 1-3 of the Old Chemistry building and floors 1-4 of the New Chemistry building.