Chapter 3 | The Building of Paimio SanatoriumThe alternatives were a wardrobe which would be made based on Aalto’s model, probably
the design dated April 29, for FIM 515 or another version, priced at FIM 475. These
alternatives would be manufactured by machine from flattened iron plate and painted in
the shade required by the architect, as illustrated in the sample wardrobes delivered by the
factory.^828 The Building Board had thus received one plywood wardrobe and two iron plate
wardrobes for appraisal, all designed by Aalto, based on which the Building Board decided
to order the plywood wardrobes from Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for the prices
approved by the Building Committee.^829 The factory produced altogether 280 wardrobes
for the patient rooms for FIM 465 each.^830 Aalto did not disqualify himself, although he
was the designer of the standard wardrobe produced by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas.
In a drawing dated September 27, 1932 and signed by Lauri Sipilä, a two-part
wardrobe for two patients has been placed in the four-bed patient rooms, with straight
doors, slanted sides and rounded outer corners. At this stage, the outer corners no longer
feature a timber frame.^831
Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy’s 1932 brochure recommended the compa-
ny’s special standard furniture for the home, public spaces and hospitals. According
to the brochure, the furniture had no back and it was highly hygienic. The furniture
offered added comfort in spaces where surfaces must be easy to keep clean. The factory
advertised that the furniture comprised standard pieces and was the result of meticulous
testing. There was a photograph on the second page of the brochure of the plywood
plinth painted in a light colour.^832
828 J. Merivaara’s offer to the Building Board of the Sanatorium of Southwest Finland, June 2, 1932. Documents
related to the Paimio Sanatorium project. AAM.
829 Building Board June 14, Section 7, 1932. PSA.
830 A list of furniture produced for the Sanatorium of Southwest Finland, March 15, 1933. KOR.
831 Drawing No. 50-239. AAM.
832 The brochure of the Huonekalu- and Rakennustyötehdas entitled “Soft Wooden Chair” was printed at the earliest
in 1932, because the cabinet described in it was only developed in 1932. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy,
s.a., 1932?.