The construction of the room extension at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Pori has begun
The room expansion of Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Pori, owned by Satakunnan Osuuskauppa, has begun. The expansion will convert spaces at Gallen-Kallelankatu 8, previously used as offices adjacent to the hotel, into hotel rooms. The room expansion will bring approximately 110 new beds to Pori.
The birthplace of Akseli Gallen-Kallela, one of Finland's most famous artists, was located on the current hotel's plot. The interior design of the new hotel spaces draws inspiration from Gallen-Kallela's art, particularly the Liekki rug designed in 1900. The colors and atmosphere of the rug will be brought into the rooms and other spaces of the expansion.
The rooms were intended to be modern, so interior architecture firm Promakers Oy set out to find a local artist who would be inspired by Gallen-Kallela's extensive body of work. In collaboration with Pori-based artist Johanna Kallio, a modernized pattern inspired by the Liekki rug was selected for the rooms. Kallio designed new interior elements based on the rug as well as her own artworks for the hotel expansion.
-The project was incredibly fascinating. It was interesting to immerse myself in Gallen-Kallela's world and draw inspiration from his art. The textile pattern adapted from the Liekki rug and three other works were created based on themes found in Gallen-Kallela's production, Kallio says.
The hotel wants to offer its guests more than just a place to sleep – an experience rooted in the Finnish landscape and mind. Gallen-Kallela's legacy has not remained in the past – it lives, transforms, and invites the traveler to pause.
Local companies have been selected as partners for the project's planning and construction to the greatest extent possible. Architecture and main design is handled by Pori-based architectural firm Küttner Ky and interior design by interior architecture firm Promakers Oy. Veljet Mäkilä Oy from Eurajoki has been selected as the main contractor. The expansion will be completed by summer 2027.
Project partners:
- Architecture and main design, Arkkitehtitoimisto Küttner Ky Interior design
- Interior architecture firm Promakers Oy
- Main contractor, Veljet Mäkilä Oy
- Structural design, Ramboll Finland Oy
- HVAC design, LVI-Insinöörit Oy
- Acoustic design, Ramboll Finland Oy
- Electrical design, Sähköpalvelu Sainio Oy
- Fire safety design, A-Insinöörit suunnittelu Oy
- Supervision, Ainoa Partners Oy
- Construction consultant, Ramboll Finland Oy and SOK Kiinteistöässä
- Plumbing contractor, Geoputki Oy
- HVAC contractor, Ilmastointi ja pelti Hakala Oy
- Electrical contractor, Lännen Sähköpalvelu
- Building automation contractor, JIS Automation Oy
- Burglar alarm system, Satakunnan Turvatekniikka Oy
- Security announcement system, Porin Audiohuolto
- Art collaboration, Johanna Kallio
For more information:
hotel manager Jussi Lampinen
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Pori
Satakunnan Osuuskauppa
+358 50 413 2447
jussi.lampinen@sok.fi
business area manager Johanna Väätäinen
travel, hospitality and transport trade
Satakunnan Osuuskauppa
+358 50 517 4801
johanna.vaatainen@sok.fi