Länsisalmi power substation provides power to two Finnish cities and is a landmark for those driving past on a major highwayglass walls, two 400kV
transformers work to
distribute electricity to
800,000 residents in the
cities of Helsinki and Vantaa.
As the plant is visible from
a highway, Toskovic decided
it could also be a landmark.
Usually, energy reaches
a substation through
high-tension trunk lines,A spark
of genius
Inspired by electricity, an
architect has transformed a
dull Finnish substationwhich run down to the
transformers via a steel
framework “portal”.
“Portals are usually ugly and
boring,” Toskovic says. “But
this location is so exposed:
thousands of people see it
daily.” He replaced the steel
frames with two 47-metre-
tall arches made of
weathering COR-TEN steel,an alloy beloved of modern
architects for its rusty
appearance. Toskovic says
their orange colour “blends
with its surroundings at any
season”. Even better: they
need no further maintenance.
“They are [almost] 50 metres
high. If one had to repaint
them, it would be a big job.”
PH Gian Volpicelli parviainenark.fi
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