Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces

Located adjacent to Malmi Cemetery, the building forms a natural extension of Helsinki's deceased care network.

The architecture conveys a sense of serenity, permanence and respect.

The building integrates deceased reception, care and storage facilities with visitor functions, including a lobby and farewell spaces.

A distinctive tower houses an automated vertical storage system with a capacity for nearly 300 deceased individuals.

The entrance lobby features reception and waiting areas with calming views of the surrounding nature.

The lobby opens towards a reflecting pool.

The building features a restrained material palette of grey brick and wood.

Calming views of water and nature provide comfort during a sensitive moment.

The architecture gently frames serene views of the surrounding nature...

...bringing natural light and a tranquil atmosphere into the lobby and visitor spaces.

The four farewell rooms receive indirect daylight through skylights.

The farewell rooms provide private spaces for reflection and farewell. Two of the rooms also accommodate ritual washing.

Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces

Description:

Located adjacent to Malmi Cemetery in Helsinki, Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces brings together all key functions of deceased care in a single purpose-built facility. Designed for the City of Helsinki, the project modernizes and consolidates mortuary operations while providing a dignified, welcoming environment for both staff and bereaved families.

The building responds to the growing need for centralized deceased care services in an ageing city. The deceased are transferred to the facility from hospitals, care homes, private residences and, when necessary, from elsewhere in Finland and abroad. By integrating reception, storage and farewell functions under one roof, the building improves operational efficiency while offering families a respectful setting in which to remember and say goodbye to their loved ones.

Architecturally, the mortuary is conceived as a calm and coherent whole. A low, horizontal volume contains the primary operational and visitor spaces, while a distinctive tower houses an automated vertical storage system with capacity for nearly 300 deceased. The exterior architecture expresses permanence, serenity and care. Hand-laid grey brick façades provide texture and depth, while softly curving forms create a gentle and approachable character. Rising above the surrounding tree canopy, the tower serves as a quiet landmark within the landscape of the cemetery.

Experience of the visitors was a key starting point for the design. Natural materials, carefully controlled daylight and a restrained material palette create a peaceful atmosphere throughout the building. The entrance lobby opens towards a sheltered courtyard with a central water feature, establishing a strong connection to nature. Four farewell rooms receive indirect daylight through skylights and are designed to support private moments of reflection. Two of the rooms accommodate ritual washing, ensuring that the facility serves people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Through thoughtful architectural design and technical innovation, the Malmi Mortuary and Farewell spaces establishes a new standard for deceased care environments. It is a place that combines operational excellence with humanity, offering families a calm and dignified setting for their final farewell.

Status

Completed 04/2026

Scale

1 360 sqm

Location

Malmin kalmistotie 2, Helsinki, Finland

Client

City of Helsinki

Photographs

Marc Goodwin and Mika Huisman (marked with *)