Suomenlinna Fortress Residential Quarters’ building C84

The four barracks, C76, C82, C83 and C84, in Suomenlinna, were built in the 1840s–1850s. The barracks are situated in the southern part of Iso Mustasaari, and belong to the same garrison quarter which dates back to the 1830s, and was constructed by the Russian Navy. Throughout their history, the buildings have been used for accommodation or residential purposes. In the 1970s and 1980s the buildings were renovated and converted into apartments for civilians. For Suomenlinna, the 1970s meant a period when the military islands, which had been closed for centuries, were transferred from the Finnish Defense Forces to the civilian administration. 

Talli is responsible for the project and implementation plans of the residential quarter’s renovation project. The preservation of the values and special features of these buildings guide the renovation process. The strong and historically valuable architectural layer of the 70s is to be preserved and sparingly conserved: only what is necessary will be renovated. The renovation, reuse and thus long lifecycle of the buildings supports essential values of both the Governing Body of Suomenlinna and Talli; sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. 

The barrack C84 was completed in 1840, and was renovated in 1980. The building has 14 apartments. 

The base for the project were the renovation measures required for maintenance and the renewal of building technology, the reconstruction of wet areas, and the partial renewal of base floor construction. The mechanical extract ventilation will be replaced with mechanical input and extract ventilation. Three of the apartments will be extended, when the lobby areas of the stairway B are attached to be a part of the apartments. The accessibility of the B-stairway will be enhanced at the entrance and in base floor apartments. The fixed furniture from the 1970s will be repaired and supplemented with new pieces, in keeping with the original style. The shared cold rooms will be dismantled and technical rooms as well as a pram store will be built in their place.