Aalto2 Museum Centre connects the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland

In summer 2023, the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland came together to form the new and inspiring Aalto2 Museum Centre. The two museums, both designed by Alvar Aalto, were connected by an extension of approximately 300 m², creating a unified museum complex. The centre aims to become an international meeting place for architecture, design and cultural history.

Renovations respect the original architecture

The Museum of Central Finland was completed in Jyväskylä's Ruusupuisto park in 1960 and underwent renovation between 2017 and 2019. The Alvar Aalto Museum, named after the architect himself, was completed next to the Museum of Central Finland in 1973. Its renovation began in 2021, and the museum remained closed until summer 2023. At the same time, the extension connecting the two museums was completed. The unified Aalto2 Museum Centre opened its doors in May 2023.

Connecting the two buildings had already been part of Alvar Aalto's vision when the museums were originally built. An international architectural competition was organised for the extension in Ruusupuisto, and the winning entry was Silmu. The design team comprised Sini Rahikainen, Hannele Cederström, Inka Norros, Kirsti Paloheimo and Maria Kleimola.

Silmu received particular praise for its sensitive yet distinctive architectural expression, which harmonises with Aalto's architecture. The extension added approximately 300 m² of space between the museums, equivalent to the floor area of a large detached house.

Fire-safe ArborLine slat elements selected for the extension's ceiling

The extension was finished with contemporary solutions inspired by Alvar Aalto's architectural style. The suspended ceiling was developed in collaboration with the project's contractor and architect to find the most suitable solution for the space. Traditional wooden slats were initially considered, but fire safety requirements led the architect to propose veneer-faced gypsum slats: the ArborLine Core slat system.

“We wanted to use solutions that would complement the buildings designed by Alvar Aalto. The spaces have complex shapes, and we were particularly looking for a solution without visible joints, allowing us to conceal the necessary technical elements behind the ceiling.

The Museum of Central Finland has pine slat ceilings, but a wooden slat ceiling was not an option here due to fire safety requirements. We proposed ArborLine for the ceilings, and we are pleased with the result.”

 

Minna Vuorenpää, Architect, A-Konsultit

A total of 250 m² of ArborLine slat ceiling was supplied for the project. The pine veneer-faced slats with a fibre gypsum core met both the visual and fire safety requirements. Several bespoke details were incorporated into the slat system. Lighting openings were designed, and the slat ends were finished with trim to achieve a refined result before installation. The slats were installed by Inlook Jyväskylä.

Puucomp slat elements are suited to demanding projects with high visual, acoustic and fire safety requirements. Their modular design simplifies installation, while the slat spacing and dimensions can be flexibly customised. This versatile cladding solution meets the needs of even the most demanding architectural projects.

Explore the ArborLine product sheet and the technical specifications of three different slat products →