The principal who decorated the school with her heart
Siltamäki Elementary School is located in Siltamäki, Helsinki. The school is an elementary school with grades 1–6 and approximately 300 students. The building was completed in 1986 and will continue to operate in its current form for a few more years until a new multi-purpose building is constructed to replace it – the future Siltamäki Comprehensive School. Growth will begin in 2027, when the school will develop into a comprehensive school for approximately 700 students.
The school is known above all for its warm atmosphere and its principal, Anna-Mari Jaatinen, who over the years has made the school a colorful, homely place that inspires its pupils. This is the story of a courageous principal who has shown that with a small budget and a big heart, it is possible to create an environment where people feel good.
An inspiring learning environment born out of ingenuity
Principal Jaatinen says she discovered Martela Outlet by chance while driving in Tammisto. Her visits became a regular habit, and she has been using the Outlet's services to furnish and develop the school for several years now.
She has built the school's premises piece by piece, combining Martela's high-quality Outlet finds with her own ideas and the creativity of her students. The result is a school that does not look like a formal teaching environment, but rather a second home where everyone can be themselves
"Our school should radiate joy, warmth, and a taste of life. I have always wanted the students to feel safe and welcome – and for the furniture to invite them to learn, play, and be together. At Martela Outlet, I found exactly what we needed: high-quality furniture that we otherwise couldn't have afforded."
— Anna-Mari Jaatinen, Principal, Siltamäki Elementary School
A sensory-friendly space that stands the test of time
Siltamäki Elementary School has developed learning environments in a long-term and innovative way. Back in 2009–2010, in collaboration with Martela, Ecophon, and designer Margit Sjöroos, they created the Stress Free Area – a sensory-friendly classroom that supports concentration and takes different learning styles into account.
The space is still in excellent condition. The furniture has retained its shape and functionality, and the environment has been beautifully integrated into the school's everyday life. Over the years, it has been enriched with small details that bring warmth and playfulness: cushions, plants, soft toys, and new sofas and retreat furniture that make the environment diverse and inviting.
Fuse STEAM Studio – learning for the future
In 2016–2017, Siltamäki School and Martela also created the Fuse STEAM Studio learning environment, which combines creativity, technology, and community spirit. The space was designed to support experimental learning and the joy of doing, and it is still in active use.
The STEAM environment demonstrates how furniture can support new types of pedagogy and diversity in learning – and how long-term cooperation with Martela bears fruit year after year.
A colorful, open, and cozy school
The furnishings at Siltamäki Elementary School combine Martela's durable solutions with the principal's own vision of what constitutes a good learning environment. The spaces are versatile and full of life – every corner has its own story to tell.
The furniture selection is full of layers and includes Noora sofas, Sola chairs, and various group work and retreat solutions that support students' concentration and community spirit. The students' own work is boldly used as part of the interior design, enriching the color scheme and creating joy and curiosity in the spaces.
Long-term responsibility and shared pride
The story of Siltamäki School is an example of responsibility that is reflected in everyday actions. Furniture has been maintained, reupholstered, and recycled—and reused in a way that makes sustainable choices a natural part of everyday school life.
The environment and activities have developed throughout the school's life cycle, and now the entire staff has an excellent foundation for the upcoming move to a new school building. The same warm spirit and playful energy that makes Siltamäki School so unique will accompany them.
- Implementation of a stress-free sensory classroom (2009–2010) in collaboration with Ecophon and Margit Sjöroos
- Furnishing of the Fuse STEAM Studio learning environment (2016–2017) in collaboration between the school and Martela
- Utilization of Martela Outlet furniture over several years
- Furniture refurbishment, reupholstering, and recycling solutions
- Delivery of ergonomic and diversity-supporting furniture
The spirit of the school, visible and tangible
Siltamäki Elementary School is a warm, creative, and bold example of what can be achieved when furniture is chosen with heart, vision, and long-term cooperation in mind. Principal Anna-Mari Jaatinen has worked with Martela to create a school that will stand the test of time – and where joy, learning and community spirit are present every day.
