Saimaanportti Comprehensive School: When a school is more than a space – it is a community

When four schools in Mikkeli, Finland merged to form Saimaanportti Comprehensive School, it was not just a construction project, but the building of a new kind of community. With around 900 pupils and more than one hundred teachers and instructors, the school also serves as a training school for South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. Its diversity makes it a rich learning environment: preparatory classes, music-oriented special education and students working in collaboration with the Sports Academy all coexist under one roof. The comprehensive model enables an uninterrupted learning path without changing schools, and the familiar environment supports student well-being and strengthens the sense of community.

“It has been wonderful to see how a strong sense of community has been created through the interplay of space and culture. For example, during indoor recess students gather on the learning stairs, in the lobby, or in the library, and new friendships are formed. These spatial solutions have helped to reduce loneliness,” explains Principal Susanna Savander.

Designed together, functioning as a whole

Architects from Lukkaroinen began planning at an early stage in close cooperation with the client and future users.

“We were facing something new when we were asked, for the first time, to create a concept-level furniture plan. We developed nature-themed color concepts and example furnishing layouts for different space types, which then served as the basis for the tender competition and later implementation,” says architect Sini Räikkä.

The furniture concept, prepared together with the school’s staff, was included in the tender documentation, and ISKU won the competition.

“ISKU managed to translate our ideas into practice exceptionally well. The whole was extremely well executed, and delightful even in the smallest details, such as the special colors of chair legs or the textured upholstery fabrics,” Sini continues.

Furniture that builds well-being

ISKU played a significant role in furnishing the school. Collaboration was based on the material concept developed by the architects, and ISKU distinguished itself already in the planning phase as a partner that understands the daily life and objectives of schools. Furnishing was considered part of the architectural whole, not an afterthought.

“We wanted spaces to be versatile, comfortable and durable. This is a major investment for the city, and it was important for us that the furniture withstands heavy use. ISKU understood this perfectly. The quality and durability of the furniture are not a luxury for us but an absolute necessity,” emphasizes Principal Susanna Savander.

Feedback from students highlights sofas and donut-shaped seats as their favorite elements, while teachers especially appreciate the staff lounge — a space to relax, prepare lessons, or take a short break during the day.

Colors and flexibility as part of pedagogy

Saimaanportti School is full of thoughtful details that support daily life. For example, the canteen furniture features a wood-patterned laminate requested by the school, and custom-colored chair legs were ordered specifically for the project. The harmonious color scheme shifts between different learning cells — from heather tones to moss green — while remaining calm and natural as a whole.

“Spaces have a direct impact on well-being and enjoyment at work. When the facilities are functional and well considered, they support everyday life. We have built our shared values together, and when the spaces reinforce those values, the result is a cohesive whole,” describes Susanna.

“Furniture played a particularly important role in this project. Often furnishings are not seen as part of the architecture, but here a clear whole was created where interior and building work seamlessly together. This school will stand the test of time, including the furniture,” Sini adds.

Collaboration that lasts

Principal Savander gives special thanks to ISKU’s project manager, Anna Miettinen. Anna’s professionalism, ability to understand construction drawings, and deep familiarity with the school environment made a strong impression.

“ISKU did not just manufacture furniture; they truly designed with us, with a genuine understanding of the realities of school life,” Susanna notes with appreciation.

Saimaanportti Comprehensive School is an example of what can be achieved when design, architecture, and furnishing all serve the same goal: the well-being of pupils and the school community. When every space is meaningful, the result is a school where it feels good to be.

Photos: Lukkaroinen Arkkitehdit | Photographer: Aukusti Heinonen