Hämeenlinnan Lyseo middle school

Project: Hämeenlinnan Lyseo middle school

Segment: Education

Country/city: Finland, Hämeenlinna

Architect: Ajan Arkkitehdit

Installer: Rakennustoimisto Taitoneliö Oy

Photographer: Studio Juha Sarkkinen

Completed: 2021

In the beautiful historic industrial region of Hämeenlinna, Finland, a former leather and shoe factory from 1910 – expanded and renovated in several stages in the 1930s, 1960s and 1980s – now serves as a modern middle school.

“The aim was to preserve the building’s unique character and industrial roughness, so original brick surfaces and structures were left visible,” says architect Asko Kaipainen.

White Focus A acoustic tiles were installed in the classrooms, hallways, staircases and the teacher’s lounge. The impressive, colorful acoustic solution in the school’s main lobby was implemented with Solo Baffle in White Frost, Dark Diamond, Golden Field and Sunset Heat. Some of the tiles were installed as standard size panels 1200x600 mm and some as halves 600x600 mm.

“We wanted the red brick wall of the original factory building and the modern sanded concrete floors to be accompanied by something fun and colorful. By varying the size, placement and color of hanging acoustic panels, we were able to create a vivid result,” Kaipainen says.

In addition to being a visual experience in itself, the solution fulfilled demanding acoustic requirements.

“Vertically installed baffles ensured that the square meter requirements for absorbing surfaces were met. Ecophon’s wide range of colors ensured a unique implementation for the end user,” concludes main contractor Janne Sippola.