Marble Palace of Helsinki: An architectural masterpiece converted back into private residence
An extensive restoration has reconfigured the historical building into four luxury apartments, fusing original details like intricate wood carvings with modern features. Share
Helsinki’s Marble Palace, or Marmoripalatsi, is a monument to architectural grandeur and elegance. Designed in 1916 by Eliel Saarinen, one of Finland’s most prominent architects, for ironworks magnate August Keirkner and his wife, Lydia, the Marble Palace was later transformed into a courthouse before returning to residential splendour. The villa’s facade is distinguished by heavy blocks of grey Förby marble, lending it its unique name. Positioned on the edge of Helsinki’s prestigious Kaivopuisto Park, this rare residential work by Saarinen exudes historical significance.
An extensive restoration by HGR Property Partners and SARC Architects has breathed new life into the Marble Palace. Original elements such as chandeliers, wood carvings, and granite archways have been lovingly restored, while modern features, including sustainable LED lighting and underground heat pipes to clear exterior walkways of snow and ice, were added. A notable innovation is a virtual skylight created by Light Cognitive that mimics natural sunlight’s colours and intensity throughout the day, replacing Saarinen’s original skylight and capturing the essence of daylight within the indoor space.
Among the four newly designed luxury apartments, Apartment C, or “Lydia,” offers an extraordinary living experience spread over three floors. This 4,542-square-foot home overlooks Kaivopuisto Park from a grand hall and features an art gallery, two balconies, three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, including an octagonal bathroom with a sauna, a kitchen and dining room, a cosy library with an original fireplace by Saarinen, and a tower room with 360-degree views of the Baltic Sea, harbour, city centre, and park.
The apartment’s design also boasts innovative light accents and a private elevator, a nod to the Marble Palace’s historical significance as the home of Finland’s first private elevator. The residences share amenities such as an underground garage with electric charging stations and exquisitely landscaped gardens.
Located in the esteemed Kaivopuisto Park neighbourhood, known for its high-end residences and embassies, the Marble Palace stands in one of Helsinki’s most sought-after areas. The proximity to one of the largest parks by the sea makes it a favoured spot for walking and enjoying the serene surroundings.
The Marble Palace’s rebirth, from a historical architectural wonder to a luxurious residential oasis, marks a unique chapter in Helsinki’s architectural narrative. By seamlessly weaving Saarinen’s original vision with modern luxury and precise craftsmanship, these residences offer an unparalleled lifestyle for discerning inhabitants.
A historical gem now revived, Helsinki’s Marble Palace is a living testament to design, luxury, and architectural brilliance in the heart of the city. It represents something truly extraordinary, both inside and out, a rare sight in private homes in Finland.
For further information, visit sothebysrealty.fi
