Toritalo Kotka Residential Building

Toritalo, built in the seaside town of Kotka in 2019, is an excellent example of how contemporary architecture can complement already well-established urban environments. Thanks to its stylish and confident presence, the new residential development settles harmoniously among the surrounding buildings, which represent a range of stylistic periods. Toritalo has been built using ordinary materials, but the skilful design and the commitment to honouring the area’s local heritage elevate this remarkable development far beyond its modest scale.

Toritalo, built in the seaside town of Kotka in 2019, is an excellent example of how
contemporary architecture can complement already well-established urban environments.
With a stylish and confident presence, the new rental housing development has settled
harmoniously among the neighbouring buildings from a wide range of stylistic periods that
wrap around Kotka’s cobbled marketplace. The building’s proportions and window
openings segue effortlessly into the adjacent façades while adding a choice of well-judged
accents. The foyer allows views through the building, connecting a historic courtyard at the
rear with the market to the front.

The excellent working relationship between client and architect has resulted in sensitive
and skillful decision making. The solutions they have chosen add a new layer to the history
of this area and serve to both maintain and enhance the sense of cohesion that
characterises the blend of urban stone and wood architecture already present here.

Although Toritalo has been constructed using conventional building materials, the skillful
design and the commitment to honouring the area’s local heritage elevate this remarkable
development far beyond its modest scale.