Jyväskylä’s iconic ivy-covered apartment building undergoes renovation as facade condition revealed
The distinctive villiviinitalo (“wild wine house”) on Vaasankatu in Jyväskylä, Finland, known for its decades-old ivy facade, is undergoing a full exterior renovation, requiring the removal of the sprawling grapevine that has covered its walls for over 70 years, reports Yle.
Built in 1952, the apartment building has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, particularly in autumn when the ivy turns vibrant shades of red. Residents and visitors often stop to capture images of the striking facade.
The renovation, which began in March with scaffolding installation, will replace the aging balconies while preserving the building’s original architectural style. Early inspections suggest the thick ivy has actually protected the walls from damage rather than causing harm, though a full assessment will follow its removal.
Arto Vettenranta, a resident since 1994 and board member of the housing association, described the ivy as a natural shield against sun exposure, creating a pleasant, dappled green light in apartments during summer. Some residents, however, have mixed feelings about the plant’s return.
Once the renovation is complete, the grapevine will be allowed to regrow—but with restrictions. The balconies will be glazed, preventing the ivy from spreading over them as before. The building’s long-term residents, some of whom have lived there since its construction, recall the ivy possibly dating back to the original landscaping, though its exact planting date remains unclear.