When companies are looking for sustainable solutions for their premises, renovation has become an increasingly viable option. Sustainable renovation combines environmental responsibility, economic efficiency and functional design. In this article, we explore what sustainable renovation means in workplace design and the benefits it can offer.

What is sustainable renovation?

Sustainable renovation means thoroughly refurbishing existing buildings and adapting them for new uses. In workplace design, existing structures and infrastructure are utilised wherever possible, reducing the environmental impact compared with new construction. For example, an exterior window that no longer provides sufficient thermal insulation for an external wall may still offer excellent sound insulation and can therefore be reused in an internal partition wall.

An old industrial or office building can be flexibly transformed to meet the needs of modern businesses. At the same time, natural resources and construction costs can be saved.

Carbon footprint calculation in renovation

Carbon footprint calculation is an essential part of sustainable renovation. Modern calculation methods assess the total emissions of a building project throughout its entire life cycle, from the production and transportation of materials to construction and the operational phase.

In renovation projects, the carbon footprint is typically significantly lower than in new construction, as existing structural frames and foundations remain in use. The calculations also take into account improvements in energy efficiency, such as additional insulation and the installation of modern building services systems.

Case: Voimala

Sustainability certification in workplace design

Sustainability certification provides a systematic way to assess and verify the environmental performance of building projects. In workplace design, international certification systems such as LEED and BREEAM, as well as the Finnish RTS environmental classification, can be used.

Renovation projects can often achieve higher sustainability ratings because they utilise existing structures and reduce the amount of construction waste. The assessment covers areas such as energy efficiency, material choices, indoor environmental quality and water efficiency.

The benefits of renovation compared with new construction

Renovation is not only an environmental choice. The design process takes into account the building’s history, its current condition and future needs, requiring broad expertise in architecture, structures and building services.

We consider it important to preserve the history and character of an existing building while combining them with modern functionality. These spaces can strengthen a company’s brand, support employee wellbeing and create an inspiring work environment.

Case: Orion

Gullstén-Inkinen: A forerunner in sustainable renovation

We are a design studio specialising in sustainable and user-centred architecture, interior design and renovation. We are also Finland’s first carbon-neutral design studio, and our aim is to increase our carbon handprint by reducing our clients’ carbon footprints through every project we deliver.

Sustainable development has been at the heart of our design work since the company was founded in 1988. Our design solutions are created with a big heart and a small carbon footprint. Through creative ideas, we want to breathe new life into existing buildings.

Our portfolio includes several significant renovation projects, such as the Voimala building at the former VR railway workshop area in Vallila. One of the company’s founders, architect Jari Inkinen, serves as the project’s principal designer, while our team has also been responsible for the interior design.

Case: Mikonkatu 9

We are currently working on the renovation of the former ETERA pension insurance company headquarters in Länsi-Pasila, Helsinki. The property is owned by the Mutual Pension Insurance Company Ilmarinen, and the renovation is being carried out in collaboration with construction company Consti.

The project will breathe new life into the building by transforming the traditional, monumental headquarters into a vibrant and green multi-user office building. The renovation will make extensive use of existing building components. For example, façade cladding and windows will be refurbished or given new purposes.

Contact!

Jari Inkinen
+358 40 550 2627
jari.inkinen(a)gullsten-inkinen.com

Sisustusarkkitehdit Gullstén & Inkinen Oy is an interior architecture studio established in 1988, specialising in the design of workplaces, commercial spaces and public environments. We create design solutions with a small carbon footprint and a big heart.

What is the meaning of office spaces in the future? This question was thoroughly discussed between our founder and CEO Jari Inkinen and construction company Hartela’s hankekehitysjohtaja Ilmari Hämäläinen.

Go and read, watch or listen the interesting discussion available in finnish at Hartela H-studio.

Rendering: Hartela Ilmala Corner, ARCO.

Is it possible to make your current office functional through renovation, or is it time to consider changing the address?

Worklife has undergone significant changes in recent years, and this transformation continues. According to an article in Helsingin Sanomat on June 6, 2023, more than half of international corporations plan to downsize their office spaces. The reduction is driven by the increase in remote work and changing office space needs. Nearly 60% of companies follow a hybrid work policy, with approximately 10% predominantly or completely working remotely. Work can be done almost anywhere, creating constant pressure for changes in the work environment. GI helps its clients find suitable solutions for future ways of working.

We conduct workspace assessments for our clients, aiming to determine whether they should stay in their current premises and adapt them to the present, or if it would be better to move to completely different spaces.

Well-designed office spaces eliminate unnecessary areas, utilizing square footage efficiently. A good office space, which is adaptable, sustainable, and timeless, is an investment that helps save money. A well-designed workspace enhances employees’ well-being, supports various work practices such as remote work and in-person interactions, and increases knowledge sharing and communication.

During the assessment, we create a workspace vision through a workshop. The workshop aims to determine the best possible work environment for your company. Based on the workspace vision document, we can either develop your current spaces or start searching for new ones. We also provide a cost-benefit analysis, which outlines a preliminary schedule and budget for potential workspace changes. The analysis demonstrates cost savings, as well as the benefits to productivity and well-being.

Are you interested? Get in touch, and let’s discuss whether conducting a workspace assessment would be relevant for your company!

Gullstén-Inkinen was responsible for the architectural and interior design of the project. The colors of the association’s brand identity were used in the space, adapted to the atmosphere of the building constructed in the 1920s.

 

The association has been operating in the building on Uudenmaankatu for years, which was completed in 1925. However, the space no onger met the needs of our clients, which is why a comprehensive update to the premises became necessary. The aim was to modernize the office to better support collaboration and interaction.

The color scheme, style, and design language were influenced by the desire to preserve the spirit of the 1920s building. The colors specified in the association’s brand guidelines were strongly present, and the colors were adjusted to fit the interior design. The association’s committee actively participated in the project, and the design process began with a workspace survey and vision workshop in collaboration with them. These steps helped identify the client’s needs and define the project’s guidelines.

Modernizing prestigious properties enhances their value

The association’s premises span two floors in the building. A lighter surface renovation was carried out in the meeting and training floor spaces, while the office floor was stripped down to the raw surface. Therefore, everything from building services onward was renewed. From the perspective of renovation, the biggest challenge was that the space lacked mechanical ventilation and instead had traditional pressure ventilation typical of apartment buildings. The ventilation was converted to mechanical, and a small machinery room was built for this purpose. On the inner courtyard side, a fresh air grille was installed, which, in addition to the exhaust air duct, was seamlessly integrated into the surroundings of the old building. “These are essential elements that are designed in such a way that no one notices them,” explains architect Rauli Lehtinen from GI.

The project also took into account that the building had residential apartments, so the construction work could not interfere with living conditions.

Spacious and bright offices with efficient use of space

The association operates in office spaces, so the design considered the overall layout of workrooms and common areas. The office’s floor area did not increase, but functionality was significantly improved. The number of rooms was increased, and common areas were incorporated into the entrance to create an impressive first impression. Despite having many rooms, the overall space is very bright and spacious. The rooms have glass walls, allowing light to pass through to the corridors. By optimizing the use of space, the total floor area was reduced, and some areas were designed as residential apartments.

Gullstén-Inkinen created the layout plans that defined the types of apartments that could be accommodated in the spaces. Reducing the used square footage through more efficient use of space is one way in which Gullstén-Inkinen helps its clients reduce office space costs.

The end result was customized, unique spaces that reflect the client’s preferences

“I believe we succeeded in creating excellent-looking spaces. Although everything is new, they fit perfectly with the desired 1920s atmosphere,” says Rauli. The premises feature many unique solutions designed specifically for the client. Due to the limited square footage, we were able to design many details. For example, symbolism familiar from jurisprudence can be seen in the space’s details. There is also no white surface in the rooms, and the stunning black doors were custom-made and painted on-site. Storage solutions for the offices were designed and drawn specifically for the client to fit seamlessly into the new, spacious, glass-walled offices. “The same furniture may not necessarily be transferable to another office, so we succeeded in creating solutions that perfectly suit this particular client,” explains Lottastiina Hämäläinen from GI.

Pictures: Juho Kuva
Text: Mira Kivivuori

 

It is very important for us to take the environment into account in all our activities. Interior Architects Gullstén & Inkinen Oy was Finland’s first design office in 2010, which was accepted into WWF’s Green Office network. We have been carbon neutral since 2019. For our part, we want to slow down climate change and strive to do so by creating visually and physically sustainable spaces, favoring environmentally friendly manufacturers and suppliers, and developing space efficiency and taking into account the life cycle of materials.

The company’s carbon footprint

Sustainable development has been central to our company’s operations since its inception. Our carbon footprint for the calendar year 2021 has been calculated in cooperation with Reforest Finland Oy. The calculation is based on the international GHG Protocol standard, which allows companies to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of their operations.

Most of our emissions are caused by the heating of our premises. This makes up about 41% of total emissions. The next largest source of emissions was about 26% of workers’ journeys between home and work. Travel to and from work were minimal due to the corona pandemic. From the comparison year 2019, emissions have been reduced by less than half. The total carbon footprint has dropped from 26.4 CO2e tonnes to 10.8 CO2e tonnes. Our results are really small compared to other companies with the same number of employees that do not have production operations.

According to the final report, Gullstén-Inkinen Design & Architecture operates with very low emissions and large reduction measures are not very easy to implement. Emission reductions have been made significantly compared to the previous calculation. Despite the fact that our carbon footprint is already small, we want to offset emissions. We will be planting new pine seedlings in Finland this year during their planting season, after which we can say that we are again a carbon-neutral company.

The carbon footprint of our customer projects

We have also developed our own calculation tool “Interior Carbon Footprint Calculator” for our customer projects, which can be used in design work to minimize the carbon footprint. The designer can evaluate the material and other choices he / she has made in the design work from the point of view of carbon load. Gaia Consulting has assisted in the development and auditing of the tool. Business Finland.

We offer our customers the opportunity to utilize this tool as part of interior design to integrate carbon load minimization into the design right from the start. The end result of using the tool is a carbon load calculation of how much carbon the new interior will produce for nature.

Great news! Gullstén-Inkinen Design & Architecture has been awarded in International Property Awards. The award came in Office Interior -category with the Nokia One project, which was implemented in the Nokia Espoo campus in 2019.

 

The assignment was to transfer Nokia’s head office operations from one building in the Nokia Campus area, Espoo, Finland to another (owned by Nokia) office building built in 2008. The architectural and interior design task included reception and lobby area, restaurant, conference center and office space. The main idea of the visually impressive lobby was to create a groundbreaking concept and an interesting window to the world of Nokia.

The starting point for the restaurant area was to create a multifunctional space and make the restaurant services more effective so that they serve the whole Nokia campus. The plan was to make this area an essential and important part of Nokia’s co-working space.

The International Property Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals around the globe. They celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. An international Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence. That is why we can proudly congratulate the whole design team on a wonderfully accomplished project.

The level of our Award will be revealed on Friday 11th December at the Red Carpet Virtual Event. We raise our glasses in advance for the success – cheers!

At the beginning of the summer we were pleased to be informed that Hanna Gullstén and Jari Inkinen were shortlisted for the 2020 Ornamo Award. Since 2015 has the Ornamo design award been a prestigious collegial recognition for the successful pioneers in their fields.

Hanna and Jari were shortlisted for their decades of experience of design work. Gullstén-Inkinen Design & Architecture has been running successfully over more than 30 years. In that time there have been total 145 employees working in the agency both in domestic and international creative projects. Since the beginning of their career, Hanna and Jari have been driven by values of sustainable development. The pioneer work in the field took a step forward in 2020 when GI became Finland’s first carbon neutral design agency. Today we can offer our clients a valuation of their carbon footprint as a new service. The winner of 2020 Ornamo award is selected in September by Ornamo board’s appointed external expert. Rosa Liksom will select the winner this year.