Kerava Masterplan
Housing Fair, Living Lab and neighbourhood in one
The City of Kerava invited Space&Matter to develop an urban framework and circularity toolbox that would allow them to transform an underdeveloped site of approximately 80 hectares into a thriving neighbourhood, exhibition site and Living Lab in one. We conducted research, visited the site and hosted a series of in-person workshops to gain a thorough understanding of the local culture, environment and the needs and wishes of Kerava’s citizens. The site will first be transformed into the site for the annual Housing Fair in 2024, a national exposition that showcases the newest, most innovative concepts, designs and developments in the housing industry. After the Housing Fair, this area will become a home for some 2,000 people who will take up residence in a pioneering neighbourhood where the principles of the circular economy are continuously explored, tested and implemented.
Type
Location
Year
Status
Website
Go to websiteImage credits
Space&Matter
Sascha Glasl
Tjeerd Haccou
Lidia Egorova
Gabriela Chuecos
Aga Biedalak
From greenfield to Living Lab
Framed by a motorway on the eastern side and a railway on the western side, the original site is characterised by farmland, a forest and the river Keravanjoki. We drew inspiration from these natural elements and developed three spatial concepts for the master plan: living in the forest, living on a farm, and communal living in clusters.
In the northern segment, we reforest greenfields to create a unique new environment in which to place sustainable apartments, detached homes and townhouses. The middle section is composed of farmland on which we place dwellings, greenhouses, food markets, and childcare facilities. The southernmost part of the site is composed of various clusters of homes that share playgrounds, gardens and community spaces.
All three districts have free space on which Living Lab experiments and pilot projects that focus on the circular economy can come to fruition. Meandering pedestrian and cycling paths connect the homes and various facilities, as well as the people.
Next to the urban framework, we delivered a circular economy toolbox that provides the City of Kerava with all necessary ingredients to make sure that the neighbourhood is truly circular. After the Housing Fair, the central park becomes a recreational zone that the entire city can enjoy.
