“How is low-budget family housing designed in the future city?”

Case Housing Reform 2020

The winning entry “Froebel blocks” is a study on future family housing in urban environment. Designing housing solutions for families has often been based on a nuclear family stereotype. The definition of family is although, in change, families and their needs are diversifying. Families with children are more often staying in the cities in a result of changing values and lifestyles. The competition entry creates a frame for communal and flexible housing block that enhances the lifestyle of its dwellers. The block consists of compact and low-budget family apartments and plentiful communal spaces that are tailored for the target group. Communal spaces and services are also open to the whole neighborhood. The same kind of life situation enhances the building of genuine communality. The block borders the street and opens towards the park and nature. Higher masses are placed next to the street and the urban villas next to the park. The yard area is sheltered and sunny and the block structure breathes towards the sea. Buildings consist of family apartments in different sizes and glazed verandas in between. Apartments are directed in different directions to achieve multiple long views to each apartment.

The entry “Froebel blocks” was awarded first prize in national Housing Reform Helsinki – Housing 2020 competition in April 2019 in Helsinki. The competition was organized by the City of Helsinki in collaboration with Aalto University, Ministry of the Environment, Alvar Aalto Foundation, and Finnish Architecture Association SAFA.