Verstas Architects completes Malmi Mortuary in Helsinki with natural materials

Verstas Architects, a Finnish firm established in 2004 by Ilkka Salminen, Väinö Nikkilä, Jussi Palva, and Riina Palva, has finalized the Malmi Mortuary and Farewell Spaces in Helsinki. This building, situated adjacent to Finland's largest cemetery, Malmi Cemetery, addresses the needs of the city’s aging demographic. It features four secular farewell rooms to cater to various customs. The structure is divided into two sections: the farewell rooms, characterized by a low single-storey design with slender grey brickwork, and visitor amenities surrounding a reflecting pool with expansive glass walls. Natural light floods the farewell rooms through large ceiling lanterns, enhancing the pale travertine surfaces. Two of the rooms are equipped with sinks for ritual washing and light-hued brick tile floors. The eastern portion houses the mortuary functions, including a multi-level storage area in a tower-like brick design, with an emphasis on durability in the functional spaces through white finishes and metal furnishings. Photography by Marc Goodwin.