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Architects Directory 2009

 

ALA Architects LTD

Finland

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

Founded in 2004, ALA has already gained a lot of attention in their homeland thanks to their participation in a series of Finnish architecture competitions. The firm is headed by four partners Juho Grönholm (b.1975), Antti Nousjoki (b.1974), Janne Teräsvirta (b.1975) and Samuli Woolston (b.1975), who work with their international team of 15, based in Helsinki. With experience in well-known practices like OMA and Tuomo Siitonen, the partners also teach and lecture in Finnish and other European universities. Involving the whole practice, as well as occasional external specialists, in each design process, the ALA team produces work which is "a synthesis of analysis, lateral thinking, architectural allegories and misunderstandings".

THE HOUSE

The Focal House was designed to be adaptable to any possible site, as it responds to different local solar conditions. A reflector is used to either heat or cool the rooms using an adjustable passive heat control system. Rainwater is also collected to a focal point of the mirror and taken to a large water storage tank. The layout is planned for maximum spatial flexibility, and construction requirements are kept to a bare minimum.

THE FUTURE

A 100 000 m2-large Hanasaari housing scheme in Helsinki and the Keilaniemi and Otaniemi underground stations in Espoo are included in the team’s current portfolio of ongoing work. Strong believers that architectural beauty comes from a practical, efficient and analytical design approach, the four partners aim to "transform complex conditions into captivating forms and urban spaces", while keeping the client closely involved in every step of the process.

www.ala-a.com