Hankkijan talo, Office building in Kamppi, Finland
Hankkijan talo is a four-story building at the intersection of Salomonkatu and Arkadiankatu, featuring dark purple brick facades and dull green roof tiles. The structure was built using innovative concrete beam and flooring systems that shaped how buildings were constructed in early 20th century Finland.
The building was constructed in 1913 by automobile dealer Sergei Nikolajeff and initially served as a car showroom before becoming the headquarters of Hankkija cooperative in 1919. This shift reflects Finland's transition from private automotive businesses to cooperative business structures.
The structure introduced Finland's first concrete beam and flooring system, marking an advancement in the country's construction methods during the early 20th century.
The building sits at a recognizable street corner and is easy to locate from the surrounding area. Its distinct architectural features make it simple to identify when navigating the neighborhood.
The original building housed a public bowling alley and two tennis courts in the attic, each with separate spectator balconies. These leisure facilities demonstrate how central sports and recreation were to urban life in early 20th century Finland.
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