Imatra GIS: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Landscape

Virkkunen and Co Architects' Award-Winning Electricity Substation Design

Located in the national landscape of Imatrankoski rapids in Eastern Finland, the Imatra GIS project is an impressive fusion of architecture and landscape. The project, which includes an electricity substation building and an array of five designer power pylons and terminals, was inspired by the area's beautiful landscape and historical significance. The design team aimed to create structures that would form a clearly defined new historical layer, harmoniously combining with the existing industrial architecture.

The Imatra GIS project stands out for its unique design approach. The structures were designed to be in balance with the surrounding landscape, breaking apart aspects of the built context and reassembling them in a new abstracted form. A combination of hand-made and industrial materials and structures was used to achieve this. The substation building, for instance, features a concrete frame and double-skin facades, with the outermost facade layer consisting of hand-made long bricks laid in a zig-zag profile.

The realization of the project involved a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The substation building's concrete structure consists of pre-fabricated and in-situ parts, while the transmission structures are made of triangular welded steel profiles. These structures were assembled and erected on the site without welding, showcasing the team's innovative approach to design and construction.

The design process was not without its challenges. The main challenge was architectural rather than technical, due to the qualities of the surrounding landscape and the history of the area. The team overcame this challenge by ensuring visual and structural coherence of the distinct parts and general sensitivity to the context. This was achieved through a process of elimination, with dozens of prototype 3D models evaluated for impact in a detailed and accurate site model based on an extensive point-cloud data set of the area.

The Imatra GIS project is a testament to Virkkunen and Co Architects' commitment to innovative design and respect for the environment. The project was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, a prestigious recognition for top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Imatra GIS project by Virkkunen and Co Architects is a shining example of how architecture and landscape can harmoniously blend together, creating structures that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and respectful of their surroundings. This project serves as an inspiration for future designs that seek to balance innovation, functionality, and environmental sensitivity.