Well-being and sensitivity: The story behind the interior design of the new Helsinki Mother and Child home

The Helsinki Mother and Child home operates in a spacious, approximately 3000-square-meter building designed to support the well-being of both its residents and staff. These spaces are not merely a building but a thoughtfully curated whole, where every detail has been carefully considered.

Sensory-friendliness and flexibility at the heart of the design

The design of the new Helsinki Mother and Child home emphasizes sensory-friendliness, sensitivity and a stabilizing approach to care. The well-being of its residents—parents, children and infants—guided every decision, while also addressing the needs of the staff. Flexibility played a key role, for instance, movable kitchen tables enable seamless interaction with children. The furniture’s soft shapes and nature-inspired design, drawing from the forest, bring a sense of tranquility and closeness to nature.

“Feedback on the comfort of the new premises has been excellent, which reflects positively in residents responses. The deep green main color, a bold suggestion by architect Anna Kyyhkynen, has been pivotal. Green creates a calming atmosphere and helps lower blood pressure. Additionally, the building’s health-supporting technological solutions, such as the cold plunge pool, aid both residents and staff in emotional regulation. Art is also a vital part of the environment: the building houses around 60 carefully selected pieces that enrich daily life.”, says Tuomas Kurttila, Executive Director of the Helsinki Mother and Child Association.

A nurturing environment to support well-being

The Helsinki Mother and Child home does not compromise: beauty and practicality go hand in hand. Each family has a beautifully designed room with private sanitary facilities and the oval-shaped cribs for infants symbolize the beginning of life. These details reflect a deep belief that the environment can shape and support an individual’s inner experience.

“Our collaboration with ISKU has been outstanding. The Babe modular sofas, in particular, have been an ideal choice due to their rounded design and comfort. These pieces have helped us achieve the desired atmosphere in the spaces.”, Tuomas explains.

The Helsinki Mother and Child home highlights the importance of environment in fostering well-being. A meticulously designed space is not just visually appealing, it structures an individual’s inner experience and nurtures self-respect. This holistic approach makes the Helsinki Mother and Child Home a unique place, where aesthetics, functionality and a deep understanding of human needs come together seamlessly.