The workplace of the future was built together responsibly
Oulun Energia is one of Finland's largest energy companies. The company's operations include energy and electricity production, network services, and various heating and energy solutions for consumers and businesses. Circular economy services are provided through its subsidiary Syklo Oy.
In the summer of 2024, Oulun Energia moved to new premises on Solistinkatu in Oulu, where the company's various functions and subsidiaries were brought together under one roof. The move from temporary premises marked a step towards a modern working environment – a place that is comfortable to work in and where diverse work is genuinely possible.
The goal was to create a modern, functional workplace that fits in with the company's culture
When designing the new headquarters, the aim was to create spaces that support everyday work,
promote cooperation, and reflect Oulun Energia's own culture. The end result had to be modern and technically up to date, but at the same time warm in tone and tastefully playful.
UKI Architects was responsible for the interior design, and Oulun Energia divided the project into several parts. Päivi Lamminaho served as the project manager for space solutions and design, closely coordinating the contributions of various units and partners toward a common goal.
“We wanted the new office to look and feel like us – not just as a workplace, but as a community where Finland’s most energetic workplace thrives. Working with Martela was smooth and flexible, and the end result perfectly supports our everyday life. The premises convey exactly the feeling we were looking for."
— Päivi Lamminaho, Service Specialist, Oulun Energia
Responsible implementation: old furniture given a new lease of life
Oulun Energia and Martela have been working together for a long time. When designing the new office, it was decided to make the most of the existing furniture, which made the project responsible and ecological. Martela serviced and reupholstered a large number of pieces of furniture: around 80 office chairs and Korhonen's classic chairs were given a new look.
The existing screens were also updated, and the old conference table was modified to suit the new space. The result is a whole that combines the new and the old and shows that an office can be renovated in a sustainable and high-quality manner.
New design and thoughtful details
Based on the architect's plans, Martela also supplied a wide range of new furniture for the premises: workstations, conference room furniture, break room tables, and side tables. The colours and design language of the furniture were chosen to create a harmonious whole that supports concentration and collaboration.
The details feature carefully selected partner products, such as Naava green walls, Muuto lighting, Lintex whiteboards, and a hanging swing and monkey bars, which add softness and versatility to the premises. As a special project, Martela installed new covers on the large kitchen island in the break room, which gave the space a cohesive and modern look.
Flexible WaaS service model supporting change
The implementation of the new head office was a major change for Oulun Energia, which is why it was decided to purchase some of the furniture using Martela's Workplace as a Service (WaaS) model.
The WaaS model enables flexible furniture rental, allowing the whole to be developed in stages without large one-off purchases. The model supports change situations where the organization is growing or operating methods are evolving, and offers customers an easy way to manage their working environment in the long term.
- Utilization and reupholstering of existing furniture
- Furniture maintenance, refurbishment, and special work
- Moving services and responsible recycling of furniture
- Furniture procurement with a flexible WaaS service model
Cooperation and openness are the keys to success
Throughout the project, communication between the customer, designers, and suppliers was close and open. A shared goal guided the work, and solutions were developed through cooperation. Responsibility and a long-term approach were part of every stage – from the reuse of old furniture to recycling and the selection of new solutions.
Martela's role was to ensure that the transition to the workplace of the future was achieved in a sustainable and economical manner that supported the customer's own culture: ecologically, flexibly, and with a long service life.
A space that supports everyday work and the future
Oulun Energia's new headquarters on Solistinkatu has been designed to support smooth workflows, well-being, and community spirit. The premises offer a modern yet human environment where working is comfortable and adaptable.
