NERVIN architecture has completed Sammontalo, a groundbreaking multifunctional community building in Lappeenranta, Finland, that represents one of the largest timber construction projects in the country. The innovative facility brings together diverse educational and community services under a single, continuous tile roof, creating a comprehensive civic hub that serves as the heart of daily community life.
The impressive structure, spanning approximately 12,000 gross square meters with a project area of 9,999 square meters, houses a daycare center, preschool, comprehensive school, public library, sports facilities, youth services, and student welfare programs. Designed to accommodate around 860 children and supported by a staff of over 140 professionals, the building demonstrates the potential for integrated community planning in modern architecture.
The project emerged from NERVIN architecture's winning proposal in an open, two-stage architectural competition, showcasing the firm's innovative approach to educational and community architecture. Lead architects Antti Soini, Leo Lindroos, and Tuuli Kanerva spearheaded the design team, creating a cohesive vision that seamlessly integrates multiple functions while maintaining architectural harmony throughout the complex.
The building's design emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, particularly timber, reflecting Finland's rich tradition of wood construction and commitment to environmental responsibility. The continuous tile roof serves not only as a unifying architectural element but also as a practical solution for the building's diverse programmatic requirements, creating distinct spaces while maintaining visual continuity across the entire complex.
Sammontalo represents a new model for community-centered architecture, where educational facilities are no longer isolated institutions but rather integrated parts of the broader social fabric. The facility's comprehensive approach to combining educational, cultural, and recreational services under one roof creates opportunities for intergenerational interaction and community engagement that extend far beyond traditional school hours.
Photographed by Rasmus Norlander, the completed building showcases the successful integration of Finnish architectural traditions with contemporary design principles. The project, completed in 2025, stands as a testament to the potential for timber construction in large-scale public buildings and demonstrates how thoughtful architectural planning can create spaces that truly serve the entire community.
