Verstas Architects

01/09/2026

We're thankful to Architectural Record and Prointerior for featuring the Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces.

Architecture can help create moments of comfort during life's most difficult transitions. Designed for the City of Helsinki, the project brings together farewell, care, and mortuary functions in a dignified setting that responds to the needs of an increasingly diverse and ageing society. Thoughtfully integrated into the landscape of Malmi Cemetery, the building offers calm, adaptable spaces for families of all cultural and religious backgrounds.

Read more:

https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/18377-verstas-architects-completes-a-mortuary-in-helsinkis-malmi-cemetery

https://prointerior.fi/lohdullinen-ymparisto-viimeisten-hyvastien-hetkiin/

The Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces is the first death care facility completed by the prolific Finnish firm

25/08/2026

Celebrating 20 Years of Verstas Architects

One of our memorable projects is the City Cottage in Lauttasaari, Helsinki completed in 2010.

A contemporary interpretation of the traditional Finnish summer hut, the City Cottage offers a unique retreat within the city. At just 14 m², it provides a compact and sustainable alternative to a conventional summer house, while remaining easily accessible by public transport.

Designed to bring nature closer to everyday urban life, the City Cottage reflects our commitment to thoughtful, ecological architecture and human-scale design.

Photographs: Andreas Meichsner

06/08/2026

We are delighted to see Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces featured on Dezeen.

The article explores the architecture and atmosphere of the project, designed to support meaningful farewells and moments of remembrance.

Read the feature:
https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/12/verstas-architects-malmi-mortuary/

Verstas Architects has completed the Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces in Helsinki using a pared-back palette of stone, timber and brick.

12/06/2026

Yle published a thoughtful article about Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces. The piece offers an insightful look into an often unseen but important part of our society — the care, dignity, and respect surrounding the final journey.

https://yle.fi/a/74-20230543?utm_source=social-media-share&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ylefiapp

Photograph: Mika Huisman, Decopic

28/05/2026

Jäkälä Daycare Centre in Tapanila, Helsinki opened in January. The building responds to the growing need for early childhood education facilities in a rapidly developing residential area. The two-storey building is carefully integrated to the topography of the plot and the small-scale character of the surrounding neighbourhood. Wood-clad façades give the building a welcoming and warm expression.

Photos by Niclas Mäkelä

20/05/2026

20 years of Verstas Architects – Saunalahti School

In 2007, we won the architectural competition for Saunalahti School and Youth Centre with our proposal Askel. Conceived as an open public building, the project brought learning, youth activities, and community life together under one roof. The program comprised a comprehensive school, a daycare centre, a library and a youth centre.

The competition marked a defining moment for our practice: a strong belief in openness, spatial clarity, and architecture that actively shapes its urban context. These principles continue to guide our work today—twenty years on. The building was completed in 2012 and has become a well-loved public landmark.

Photos: 2. & 4. Pyry kantonen, 6. Andreas Meichsner

30/04/2026

The Malmi mortuary facilities have now been completed, with official use beginning next week. The project has already received wide media coverage, including features on MTV Huomenta Suomi, Hufvudstadsbladet and Iltasanomat.

https://www.helsinginuutiset.fi/paikalliset/9412858

https://www.hbl.fi/helsingfors/staden-ryter-till-begravningar-racker-for-lange/

https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/katso-suorana-talta-nayttavat-taysin-uudet-suomen-suurimmat-vainajatilat/9330014

https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000011973364.html

https://www.hs.fi/tiede/art-2000011963835.html

https://www.hel.fi/fi/uutiset/helsingin-vainajatilat-valmistuivat-tilat-otetaan-kayttoon-4-toukokuuta

https://www.sttinfo.fi/tiedote/71994693/helsingin-vainajatilat-valmistuivat-tilat-kayttoon-4-toukokuuta?publisherId=60590302&lang=fi

Photograph: Mika Huisman

10/04/2026

20 Years of Verstas Architects — Early Projects That Shaped Our Path

Tikkurila Church is among the earliest competition wins of Verstas Architects. Dating back to 2006, the project comprises a new church hall together with the transformation of the Tikkurila congregation centre from the 1950s. Boldly attached to the new Tikkurila square, the new hall gives the church a strong and visible presence in the everyday life of the area.

Inside, the church hall turns inward, shielding itself from the outside world. Carefully positioned vertical and horizontal incisions allow indirect light to filter into the nave, accentuating the curved geometry of the archaic masonry walls. The space is conceived as a place that evokes hope—whether in moments of grief or of joy.

Not every competition victory results in a completed building. Yet even when a project remains unbuilt, its influence can endure. Tikkurila Church is one such project, whose legacy continues to resonate in our architecture.