• 
• • The Office
  • Selected Projects
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Aie Architects is a Finland based architecture and design office focusing in restoration, adaptive reuse of existing buildings and researching built cultural heritage. Our work methods integrate historical research, an analysis of present and foturesresearch techniques to achieve sustainable and holistic solutions. Aside restoration and reuse projects we also offer services to design buildings in existing culture heritage sites, executing art installations as well as in interior and furniture design.

The key values in our design process are sustainability, reparability, reversibility, and human-centricity. We aim to create spaces that are experiential and of high functional quality while preserving and protecting the historical layers and signs of past lives of buildings. We are specialized in using traditional structures and natural materials and a healthy , long-lasting building forms the guidelines of our design philosophy.

Our projects are located throughout Finland and we are also open for international opportunities. Our office is located in Southern Finland, culture heritage site Strömfors Ironmill village. Get to know our team and contact us: here.

Whats is "Aie"? The word "aie" is finnish and means "intention". We see the work in architecture as intentions to acchieve the imagined result, but also acknowledge especially the surprising nature of restoration projects where the building can sometimes set a whole new path for planning on a verge of unexpected findings.

Valokuva, Marko Laukkanen

Selected Projects

Strömfors Hall

Iron Forgery Converted into Celebratory Hall

Strömfors Ironmill is a living iron mill heritage village founded in 1690's in Southern Finland. The heart of the village are it's two historical iron forgery buildings, both still operating as forgeries untill 1950's. The first one, the Lower Forgery, was rebuilt multiple times during history from logs during untill in 1840 the main wrought iron hall was finally completed in brick. After iron production the building was still used in industrial plastic goods production untill 1980's when the village experienced it's revival into a culture tourism destination.

In 2020's the ironmill had became one of the most visited tourism sites of the area, but it still lacked one great space for events and gathertings. The Lower Forgery's wrought hammer hall was restored and adapted to serve as a year-round event space. The project honored the building's layered history while addressing significant structural challenges, including moisture damage due faulty 1950's structures and ventilation deficiencies. A new foam glass insulated concrete floor was installed, historical brickwork was repaired using original bricks, and the building’s natural ventilation was enchanced.

Interior design choices reflected the site's heritage, incorporating traditional materials like charred pine and lime plaster. Custom fixtures, including a handcrafted coat rack and door handles, were created by local artisans, continuing the ironworks' craftsmanship legacy.

Completed in spring 2024, the space blends historic preservation with modern functionality, offering a versatile venue for events while celebrating its 300-year history.

Strömfors Hall Cloakroom

Iron Meets Oak And Lime

The Cloakroom of Strömfors Hall, the year-round event space in the historic Strömfors Ironmill village, seamlessly blends the area’s rich craft heritage with a contemporary design approach. The centerpiece, a bespoke coat rack, is clad in hand-turned oak panels crafted by a local parquet factory and adorned with custom hand-forged iron details co-designed with the village blacksmith. Encased in naturally warm, sand-toned lime plaster walls that echo the historic lime finishes of the space's industrial era, the cloakroom embodies a thoughtful harmony of tradition and contemporary craftsmanship.

The Feather

Memorial for Matti Nykänen by Kaarina Kaikkonen

The memorial for Matti Nykänen, named "Feather" by artist Kaarina Kaikkonen is located in front of Köyhälampi, Jyväskylä. The memorial was a result of strong artistic vision combined with parametric design methodology. The main shape of the feather consists of 42 invidual skis, each representing a win of the legendary ski jumper Matti Nykänen, whose own skis are represented by blue skis at apex of the memorial. The form of the memorial was designed using parametric tools in collaboration with the artist Kaarina Kaikkonen.

The Cardboard Factory

Shadow plan for reusing and abandoned building

The Loviisa Cardboard Factory, a historic industrial building from 1912, stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century Finnish industrial architecture. With its symmetrical brick façade, expansive arched windows, and preserved structural integrity, the factory offers an ideal foundation for adaptive reuse.

Our shadow proposal reimagines the factory as a combined library and cultural center, seamlessly integrating its architectural heritage with modern functionality. The plan retains the factory's character while introducing accessible spaces like reading rooms, children’s areas, and community hubs. Strategic expansions harmonize with the original design, since the historical factory previously had extensions now teared down, adding features such as a two-story library wing and state-of-the-art facilities for exhibitions and performances.

The restored factory would connect with its historical surroundings, reopening pathways to the now forgotten adjacent park avenue and creating outdoor spaces for public enjoyment. By embracing sustainability and cultural preservation, this project wuld transform the factory into a vibrant center that honors Loviisa’s rich history while meeting contemporary community needs.

Carrying Water

Researching The Finnsh Ironmill Restoration Movement

The Finnish ironworks restoration movement of from 1980 to 2010 revitalized historic iron production sites, blending cultural heritage preservation with regional travel development. Catalyzed by the risind respects towards industrial heritagfe, employment initiatives, cultural tourism, and EU policies, it transformed ironworks into destinations showcasing traditional craftsmanship and local history.

While the movement successfully transformed many ironworks into vibrant cultural destinations, challenges remain. Maintenance planning was often inadequate, and some restored structures have deteriorated or become safety hazards. The transition of state-managed properties introduced uncertainties that continue to affect the viability of several sites. Nonetheless, the movement showcased innovative restoration practices, strengthened expertise in traditional construction techniques, and underscored the importance of aligning heritage preservation with contemporary use.

The research project "Carrying Water" was a master thesis work for one of the office's co-founders Astria. This study reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge on the interplay between built heritage, chancing ecosystems and regional development. By critically analyzing past restoration efforts, we aim to be able to better help our clients to also critically vision their project's future to create time lasting and flexible solutions.

Social Media

Instagram: @aie.ark

Selected press

Rakennusmaailma, 12/2024
Arkkitehti Astria Excell auttaa säilyttämään arvokasta kulttuuriperintöä

YLE, 7/2024
Tampereen Verkatehtaan kohtalo käynnisti liikkeen, joka pelasti rautaruukit tuholta.

Loviisan Sanomat, 6/2024
Ruukin pizzeria avasi ovensa

YLE, 9/2022
Sadat ihmiset kerääntyivät Höyhenen äärelle Jyväskylässä

Loviisan Sanomat, 8/2022
Rakennuksen elämä ja ajanhampaan rouheat puraisut talteen millilleen

Contact Us

Don't hesitate to contact us with any thoughts regarding building restoration, reuse, research or interior architecture projects! We are open for project opportunities in Finland and internationally. We will happily also showcase our work as lectures in seminars and student courses. We wait to hear from you soon!