KELA service centre and Kultaranta granite castle honoured
The best interior designs of the year celebrate the spirit of past decades. Interior Architects SIO has named the Kela work and customer service environment in Seinäjoki as the 2026 Interior Architecture Project, with an honorary mention awarded to the renovation of Kultaranta Granite Castle.
The Kela service centre in Seinäjoki honours 70’s concrete architecture
The winning project brings together Kela, the City of Seinäjoki, and South Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Services County under one roof. Sistem designed the building’s interior and the entire work environment with the aim of creating a modern, communal space that promotes wellbeing and seamlessly connects premises, processes, and service experiences.
The jury praised the project for combining high-quality design with careful execution. Original elements of the 1970s building, such as concrete vaults and floors, have been preserved and highlighted as part of the space’s identity. These are complemented by warm wooden surfaces, natural materials, and soft textiles, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Sustainability was a key consideration. Over half of the furniture is recycled, and its reuse was carefully planned into the overall design. The result is a functional, humane, and forward-looking public space that enhances both employee and customer experiences.
Kultaranta Granite Castle – Honorary Mention
The jury also awarded an honorary mention to Kultaranta Granite Castle, recognising the entire design team for their exceptional work in renovating a historically and culturally significant environment. The project carefully balanced modern functionality with respect for the building’s original architectural character.
The interior architect, Satu-Katri Hyvärinen of Trium Architects Ltd, worked closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the project retained its dignified and distinguished atmosphere. The renovation incorporated contemporary technical solutions subtly, preserving the historical layers while making the building fully functional for modern use.
The architectural design was led by Trium Architects Ltd, Hanna Lyytinen Architects Ltd, and Käpy and Simo Paavilainen Architects Ltd, with the project client being the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland. Castle stewards Anne Puonti and Ismo Siikaluoma oversaw the design and implementation phases, respectively.