HORISONTTI T8 is the fifth tower block in the REDI urban center in Kalasatama, Helsinki. The complex will comprise a total of eight towers. Kalasatama is one of Helsinki’s newest and trendiest residential and work areas, where approximately 10,000 new jobs are expected. The 111-metre-high tower T8 is Finland’s first office skyscraper and, when completed, the tallest office building in the country.
The skyscraper offers a unique working environment: blue skies, the surrounding sea and a lively city. The tower is built on top of the Kalasatama metro station, in a place with a metro connection, huge underground parking facilities and REDI shopping centre – with the aim of providing all the services that an employee may need during the day.
The HORISONTTI T8 light canopy is located at the entrance to the Horisontti office building and in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the Kalasatama metro. On a pedestrian path overlooking the shopping center, metro and its platforms. The net-like appearance of the luminaire refers to fishermen’s nets previously located in the Kalasatama area. The area used to be a fishing port.
The aim was for the luminaire to differ from other lighting in the mall and attract attention, which can help you navigate a challenging environment, choose the right direction and find your destination. The canopy consists of two seven-metre-long sections that follow a curved glass wall on both sides of the entrance. The sculptural organic form exudes courage and creates positive vibes.
The lighting of the 28 m2 LED light net canopy is implemented with 2100 separate LEDs, of which 1400 are placed to illuminate small opal tubes. The tubes bring out the downward-directed light and filter it, while the overhead light spreads and reflects softly from the ceiling surfaces. Variable lighting is controlled by DALI technology.
When designing a large luminaire, attention had to be paid to the structure, which made it possible to transport the luminaire in parts. To save costs, we also wanted to make installation quick and simple. At the same time, we wanted to create a luminaire that could be maintained in such a way that all parts and different materials could be simply dismantled, repaired or replaced, and recycled.
The materials chosen were steel, aluminium and acrylic. The load-bearing frame was made of steel and finished with powder coating, the parts in contact with the LEDs were shaped from anodised aluminium and the light tubes from acrylic.
We also wanted to emphasize quality and durability when choosing light sources, which is why we chose Japanese-made high-end LEDs and were precisely tailored to meet the desired features. The choice of quality light sources and electrical and electronic components not only provides excellent lighting, but also results in lower operating costs and a greener result by reducing maintenance and extending the lifetime of the luminaire and its components. In addition, high-quality LEDs are more energy efficient and thus save more electricity.
The cost-effectiveness and ecology of the implementation were significantly affected by close and seamless cooperation between responsible architects and designers. Computer models created by the Helin & Co Architects were utilised directly in the AICCI’s implementation design and manufacture. If the different programs communicated better with each other, transferring the designs directly to the machines used in manufacturing could have been even smoother. The detailed drawings and calculations prepared by AICCI for installation reduced the installation time of complex parts and saved sweat and therefore costs in a way that was clearly not familiar on the construction site, but was warmly received.
The REDI HORISONTTI T8 light canopy design was a collaboration between Helin & Co Architects and AICCI. Helin & Co was responsible for the conceptual and sketch designs and 3D visualisations. AICCI was responsible for the design and fabrication of the implementation. AICCI carried out the suspension of the canopy in collaboration with Inlook. Ramboll Finland was responsible for the electrical design of REDI T8, the lighting control design and Amplit electrical installation. The client and main contractor for the project was SRV Construction.
Completion: 2024
The site will be commissioned in spring 2025.
