Closing Loops
RESEARCH PROJECT. The Mustikkamaa pilot project, undertaken by Aalto University and the City of Helsinki, seeks to be a pioneer in circular economy construction by using materials sourced from demolition sites.
Housing Design
Housing Design
The Professorship in Housing Design conducts internationally recognized and impactful architectural design and research, applying this knowledge in its teaching. The research and design efforts concentrate on two main areas: housing design quality and circular construction, with a vision for the future of housing, particularly in the Nordic region. The professorship has been led by Assistant Professor Antti Lehto since 2022.
Research & Publications
Circular Drifter
RESEARCH PROJECT. Circular Drifter is a concept for a relocatable, disassemblable building serving as a living lab for circular construction solutions.
Publications
Student works
Time-based Design, City of Turku 2024
DESIGN STUDIO. The assignment was to design a residential block based on the principles of adaptability and design for disassembly. In collaboration with the city of Turku, the site was located in Linnanniemi, a future urban district that combines work and living in a culturally significant area.
Reuse of materials, City of Helsinki 2023
DESIGN STUDIO. The students examined ways to reuse construction waste in Helsinki, highlighting differences between circular design aesthetics and current practices.
Research and Practise, 2023-24
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS. The course focused on two main concepts: adaptability and user-centric design through theory and case studies.
Urban Infill, 2023
BASIC COURSE. The task was to explore how the connection to the surrounding nature was reflected in the layouts of residential spaces, communal areas, and the outdoor areas, with Herttoniemi's infill development as the design focus.
In between Scales and Typologies, 2024
BASIC COURSE. The assignment for the basic course in housing design was to design an apartment building in East Helsinki. The site was located between a 1960s suburb and a detached housing area.
Diploma works
Designed for Deconstruction - Design for Deconstruction as the Enabler of Flexibility and Resource Reuse
Diploma work by Taika Pirilä (2023).
Alone or together? Flexible student housing in Merihaka
Diploma work by Jessica Eerikas (2024).
Awards
BIG SEE Architecture Award 2025, . Lehto, A., Mattila, H., Heikkinen, S., Humalisto, V. & Aalto A-K., 2025
Architizer A+Awards 2025 Finalist,. Lehto, A. Ellilä, E. & Heikkinen, S., 2025
Wuorio award for best Master's Thesis. Pham, N. (Student prize recipient), Lehto, A. (Supervisor) & Tervo, A. (Advisor), 2025
Wuorio award for best Master's Thesis. (Student prize recipient) & Lehto, A. (Supervisor), 2024
Student Prize: Oskari Vilamo Thesis Award. Pirilä, T. (Student prize recipient) & Lehto A. (Supervisor), 2024
Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award Honourable Mention, Closing Loops Pilot. Lehto, A., Saarela, J. , Järvelä, H. , Saarela, M. & Jarkko, M., 2024
Rakentamisen Ruusu 2022, The Housing Design Handbook. Tervo, A. & Meriläinen, S., 2023
Finnish Wood Awards, shortlisted. Haagan Artturi. Lehto, A. Mattila, H. , Ellilä, E. & Niemeläinen, A., 2023
Finnish Wood Awards, shortlisted. Postivarikko. Lehto, A., Mattila, H., Heikkinen, S. & Humalisto, V. , 2023
