The hospital of Ahvenisto completed – natural light a key architectural principle

Ahvenisto Hospital ASSI, areal view.

The significant new hospital project of the Kanta-Häme wellbeing county, the hospital of Ahvenisto, has been handed over to the client. The architectural design of the hospital has been guided by the efficient integration of functions and a human-centered environment that holistically supports recovery and wellbeing.

Located next to the Ahvenisto nature reserve in Hämeenlinna, the new central hospital will offer comprehensive specialized medical care to residents of the Kanta-Häme region starting next year. The Kanta-Häme wellbeing services county officially received the hospital from the alliance of designers and builders at the end of September 2026.

The hospital of Ahvenisto consists of three functionally and logistically connected sections: the inpatient ward building, facilities for non-urgent care, and the emergency hospital including emergency services, intensive care unit and operating department. In addition to smooth treatment paths, customer-orientation has been a strong emphasis on the design.

The entire hospital and its functions have been planned to ensure that patients and visitors can easily find their way to the correct spaces and rooms. Large windows offering views and natural light help with orientation throughout the building.

– Maximizing natural light in the deep-structured building has been one of the most important architectural principles. At the ends of corridor axes are large windows, the recovery room is bathed in daylight, and also the intensive care unit benefit from natural light, which helps maintain a natural circadian rhythm – proven to support recovery, says Nina Väistö, Assi’s principal designer and lead architect at ONE Architects.

The architectural team of the alliance project also included Harris & Kjisik Architects and Sweco Architects. Construction was carried out by Skanska, with technical design by Sweco.

 

Ahvenisto Hospital Assi, front view.

The umbra-treated concrete façade with its patina-like brown hue draws inspiration from the surrounding Ahvenisto ridge landscape and the trunks of pine trees. Photo: Oma Häme

“The hospital promotes recovery also through its spatial environment”

The first patients will be admitted to the new hospital after the commissioning phase in spring 2026. The alliance’s goal has been to build “a hospital that serves life”.

– Human-centered design has meant for us that building, its interiors, and outdoor areas support recovery and wellbeing in a holistic way, Väistö explains.

In addition to technical solutions, careful attention has been paid to materials, shapes, and colors. Repeated veneer surfaces and wood-inspired materials enhance the recognizability of staff and information points. At the ends of corridor wings in the ward buildings, shared spaces for relaxation and rehabilitation offer views of the Ahvenisto ridge landscape through large windows.

– Warm color tones and materials like wood veneer have been used to create a familiar and calming atmosphere, so that visitors don’t feel like they’re in a frightening, clinical environment. In addition to the surrounding views, the hierarchy of materials has been used to support orientation and help maintain a sense of autonomy in a large building, Väistö adds.

Functional solutions, care processes, and logistics have been carefully considered for the central hospital, which will employ 1,900 people. Professionals, patients, and residents were actively involved throughout the design process.

– User involvement has not only been practical but has also fostered a sense of shared ownership and commitment to the project, Väistö says.

The hospital also features numerous artworks, located in areas such as the children’s ward, emergency department, chapel, and above the main entrance.

Departments from the current Kanta-Häme Central Hospital and Vanajavesi Hospital will gradually relocate to the new Ahvenisto Hospital during 2026. A new rescue station will also begin operations as part of the hospital complex.

 

The hospital of Ahvenisto

  • The new central hospital project, initiated in 2017, was completed in September 2025.
  • Patient care will begin after the commissioning phase in spring 2026.
  • The hospital includes inpatient wards, non-urgent care facilities, and an emergency hospital with surgical unit.
  • 390 beds, 1,350 daily visitors, 1,900 employees, 78,000 gross square meters.
  • Hospital was build by an alliance of Kanta-Häme wellbeing services county, Skanska, Sweco, and the architectural consortium combining ONE Architects, Harris & Kjisik Architects, and Sweco.

 

Further information: 

Nina Väistö , Lead architect, hospital and healthcare design
tel. 050 567 4397 
nina.vaisto@onearchitects.fi