Look straight ahead for a tall, sleek white apartment block with a unique wavy roof, standing between the pine trees-a building that's hard to miss, thanks to its curved corners and long rows of windows.
Welcome to Tapiola’s very own “Hip Flask Houses”! No, you didn’t just walk into a trendy cocktail bar-these four striking buildings, nicknamed thanks to their slim, flask-like shape, have been standing tall here since the late 1950s and early 60s. Imagine it’s 1957, the world is getting more modern by the minute, and people already start calling these yet-to-be-finished towers ‘hip flasks’ before the cement is even dry! By 1961, all four are up: two to the north, and two more soon after, each nine stories high and about thirty meters tall-so if you feel a bit dwarfed next to them, you’re not alone.
Designed by the legendary architect Viljo Revell-you know, the guy who gave Helsinki its famous city hall-these buildings are a true symbol of Tapiola’s spirit: functional, futuristic, and just a little bit cheeky. As you stand here, try to picture the excitement of those first residents. For many, this was a dream come true; Säästökontu, for instance, was among the first Finnish homes you could actually save up for-an early taste of modern life!
The apartments were packed with state-of-the-art features for their time: hoods in every kitchen and teak cupboards just off the floor so you could sweep out the crumbs-handy, right? And those windows and balconies? They don’t just show off the scenery; they’re cleverly tucked in to keep the façade clean and smooth. If you peer up, you’ll see each top floor has its own sauna and even a panorama terrace-imagine the view at sunset, breath of pine in the air, neighbors chatting over the rooftops.
With their bold hexagonal outlines and swooping corner grooves, these buildings practically strut across the skyline. Locals say they put Tapiola on the map-though in reality, you’re still the one walking from stop to stop!
