A modern workspace with a concrete history
Back in the early 20th century, Valllila was the industrial center of Helsinki. Today most of the old factories have moved on, making room for new businesses to thrive here. Will yours be next?
Helsingin kaupunginmuseo
Industrial Then, Industrial Now
When you look around Vallila, it’s easy to imagine what this neighbourhood was like in the past. You can almost feel the buzz of the old industrial factory buildings – producing everything from coffee to concrete.
One of those industrial gems was the site of what today is Berlin/Vallila’s Daylight Factory. Built between 1939 and 1945, the factory made the concrete used to build Helsinki’s legendary Olympic Stadium and many other notable sites around the city.
At the turn of the millennium, the site was expanded to make room for one of the Nordics’ biggest telcos. The open, lofty spaces in the Daylight Factory side of Berlin/Vallila have also been used to house parts of Helsinki’s Academy of Fine Arts.
Today, a new industrial revolution is reshaping the entire Vallila area. New businesses in all kinds of industries.
Where beloved Finnish brands find their future
When Finlayson & Co sought a new headquarters for their family of brands, they needed a space that could handle the high-octane demands of a modern design house. For Studio Manager Joel Forsman, the search ended the moment he stepped into Berlin/Vallila; the high ceilings and raw industrial volume provided the perfect "blank canvas" to build their dream in-house studio.
The location in Vallila feels like a natural extension of the brands’ heritage, echoing the grit and creative energy of Helsinki’s old workers' districts while offering modern perks like effortless bike commuting and top-tier facilities.
From Makia’s dog-friendly showrooms to Finlayson’s historical design archives, the space has been optimised to prove that a smaller, smarter setup is the ultimate recipe for creative growth.
Discover the interviews on Berlin/Vallila’s Instagram!
The local community and culture at the core of B/V
Berlin/Vallila hosts pieces from local artists, there to inspire the building’s visitors and celebrate the area’s culture.
The newest addition can be found in the main lobby. Street artist Jani Tolin created a stunning tribute to the building’s history, weaving it together with the story of the new office spaces. Tolin wants to leave space for free association in his work. “Whenever that happens, there’s more room for flow state”.
Hear him talk more about his process in the video!
The original outer façade brings depth and tradition. And the interior spaces can be endlessly transformed to meet the needs of today.
Are you ready to leave your mark on history? Get in touch with us and let’s start planning your future at Berlin/Vallila.