Oulu Market Hall

Oulu 2020 1 269.00 brm² Repair construction Architecture office Laatio Oy (UKI Architects Oy) Principal designer Weikko Kotila

 

The Oulu Market Hall, built in 1901 in the Neo-Gothic style, remains in its original use as a market hall. It was designed by architects Karl Lindahl and Valter Thomé, based on the winning proposal of a design competition organized by the city of Oulu. Among the competition jury members were notable architects of the era, including Lars Sonck and Onni Törnqvist. The market hall currently houses 13 retail spaces, including fish, meat, vegetable, and spice shops, as well as a bakery and a lunch spot.

During the major renovation, the market hall’s building systems were updated, and various structural elements were extensively repaired and restored. This included the replacement of floor ducts and the heating network, which necessitated a rebuild of the subfloor structure. Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation were installed, and a new ventilation machine room was constructed in the attic. During construction and demolition, damage and water damage were discovered in the roof and related brick-concrete decorations, as well as in the interior plaster surfaces. Creosote treatments were also found. The damages were repaired, and harmful substances were removed. The brick facades were maintained, and the stucco decorations were reconstructed. Windows and doors were replaced with custom carpentry, including the curved exterior doors at the main entrances, which were restored to their original design. The sales booths in the market hall were temporarily relocated to a carpenter’s workshop for protection and maintenance during the renovation.

In 2020, the Oulu Building Supervision Department awarded the completed renovation the Tuumastukki Award as a cultural construction achievement. The award highlighted the significant challenge and accomplishment of updating the building’s systems to meet current standards while preserving the original look and feel of the interior. As a result of these renovations, this beloved central landmark of Oulu can continue to serve its original purpose for another 120 years