Hakametsä Elementary School Renovation
2025 – ongoing
2800 m²
Uusikaupunki, Finland
Adaptive reuse and renovation of a late 1970s-era school and commercial complex.
Hakametsä Primary School in Uusikaupunki was originally completed in 1979 and expanded around the turn of the millennium. The building was initially designed as a hybrid structure combining a school and a small shopping centre. Over time, commercial activity has gradually declined, and the remaining retail spaces will be removed as part of the current renovation. Architecturally, the building represents late 1970s modernism, characterised by bold use of colour and a tectonic, streamlined expression.
The building has reached the end of its technical service life, and a full overhaul of the building services is now underway, including comprehensive upgrades to electrical and ventilation systems. At the same time, the school’s spatial arrangements will be clarified and updated to meet contemporary needs. All modifications will be carried out with respect for the building’s architectural character – Later additions will be reversed, and the original architecture will be carefully restored and highlighted.