Finland’s largest student housing complex completed in Tampere

Tampere’s student housing foundation TOAS has finished construction on Hipposkortteli, now Finland’s largest student housing project, the foundation announced.

The complex, with a total floor area of about 35,000 square metres, includes 586 student apartments housing over 700 residents. Development began four years ago.

The buildings feature 130 small studio units of roughly 20 square metres each, grouped in clusters of nine. Each studio has its own kitchen and bathroom, with shared living spaces available for residents.

Located in the Kaleva district near Tampere University of Applied Sciences and the University of Tampere’s central campus, Hipposkortteli also includes study and lounge areas, a craft room, a bicycle workshop, a laundry, and saunas, all covered by rent. The basement houses a gym, and an outdoor gym is available in the inner courtyard.

The site also contains a student restaurant, a grocery store, and offices for TOAS and Juvenes, a student services organisation.

First residents moved in during 2024. TOAS reports overwhelmingly positive feedback, with particular praise for the complex’s services, communal spaces, and location.

The project was delivered using an alliance model, a first for large-scale residential construction in Finland, according to TOAS. Construction stayed on schedule.

Four of the buildings use mass timber CLT spatial elements, while five are built with low-carbon concrete.