Mer Architects

Mer Architects, established in 2015 and based in Finland, has distinguished itself as an architectural practice characterized by its holistic approach to sustainable design. The firm combines individuality, client-focused methodology, and exceptional quality to create spaces that are both memorable and meaningful. Under its current leadership team, Mer Architects has developed a design philosophy where beauty, functionality, economic efficiency, and ecological awareness are intrinsically linked.

The practice currently maintains an enthusiastic, versatile, and experienced team with extensive expertise in exceptionally demanding architectural and principal design projects, ranging from real estate development to the most complex details of implementation design. The design team for the Långholmen Residence project comprises Arq. Julia Hertell, Arq. Jenni Hölttä, Arq. Paula Leiwo, Arq. Sini Kukkonen, and Arq. Johanna Brummer. The team brings knowledge in both new construction and renovation or alteration projects, is experienced in Building Information Modeling, and has expertise in Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprint calculations.

The firm's design philosophy centers on contextual understanding and multisensory spatial experience, employing rigorous analytical frameworks to develop architectural responses that enhance living quality. Their methodology emphasizes understanding diverse contextual conditions through attentive listening and observation, thorough analysis of site, plot, and program, balance between overall concept and detail design, and three-dimensional understanding. This commitment to contextual sensitivity extends across all scales, from site planning to material detailing, ensuring each project genuinely responds to the specific needs of its site, clients, and communities.

Mer Architects demonstrates particular expertise in innovative natural material applications, natural ventilation strategies, and multisensory spatial design. Their design process is characterized by rigorous site analysis from both technical and social perspectives, ensuring each project responds thoughtfully to its context. Collaboration forms the foundation of their methodology, with internal design workshops facilitating idea exploration and problem solving in an open, engaging atmosphere. For each project, the firm assembles a tailored project team, supplemented when needed with technical designers, graphic designers, researchers, or experts from other fields.

Mer Architects' commitment to environmental responsibility is formalized through their signature on an architects' declaration addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, achieving carbon-neutral organization status in 2024. The firm's portfolio reflects a commitment to architectural excellence that balances functional requirements with aesthetic consideration while maintaining focus on ecological and cultural responsibility. Through their interdisciplinary methodology, Mer Architects integrates technical precision with conceptual rigor, producing work that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of materiality, spatial organization, and environmental performance. Beyond traditional practice, Mer Architects engages broader discourse through hosting open DO Mer workshops, TALA Mer discussion evenings, and LUE Mer reading circles, exploring the role and potential of the built environment in shaping society. The firm believes in the transformative power of architecture as a tool for improving quality of life and infuses all work with dedication to creating spaces that genuinely respond to human needs and aspirations.