An Alvar Aalto-designed area in Kotka is a home for €20 000 – now awaiting a decision that could change everything

The Sunila residential area in Kotka is being applied for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Being nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site may already be reflected in the value of the apartments in Kotka’s Sunila.

The Sunila residential area designed by Alvar Aalto. Kylmänen has noticed that in recent years, people have been looking for homes in the area that are as close to their original condition as possible. You can buy a home in the area for around €20 000.

The application to add the buildings designed by Alvar Aalto to the UNESCO World Heritage list was submitted in early February. The proposal, prepared by the National Board of Antiquities, includes thirteen buildings or sites around Finland.

Exceptional in the Sunila area is that buildings are ordinary homes, not just historical sites.

A possible choice of UNESCO World Heritage Site brings obligations to Sunila’s residents, but also benefits.

The picture shows a light, three -story apartment building with vertical wooden grilles in front of the balconies. — The houses designed by Alvar Aalto have small details whose beauty gradually reveals itself to the visitor.

Alvar Aalto once designed the Sunila residential area for employees of the adjacent pulp mill. Over time, the connection between the factory and the area decreased. The area was already silent until it was discovered and those interested in Alvar Aalto’s legacy began to acquire and renovate the apartments.

The Stora Enso Sunila plant was closed in 2023. In addition, the apartments are owned by Aalto-attracted investors and artists and holiday home buyers.

We found out how to apply for a world heritage target changes the lives of residents.

1. The layout of the houses is precise

As a world heritage, the choice does not directly mean protecting the area, but needs other action. In Sunila, this means updating the area’s town plan. For example, the new formula defines more precisely what materials you can use in the exterior walls of buildings.

The white terrace house designed by Alvar Aalto Päivölä in Kotka. — The balconies of terraced houses have been repaired with plastic coating in the past, which is not allowed under the new plan.

The formula also protects the surrounding nature, such as old pines. The green areas were an important element in the design of Alvar and Aino Aalto.

However, the interior of the buildings, or dwellings, has no effect on the protection formula.

2. Cooperation is desired for the management of the area

UNESCO sites are always handled by a board of directors, which is now being established in Sunila. The board operates between residents and UNESCO and influences the development of the area. In the past, housing associations have worked alone, repairing each of their own property. Now it is hoped that resources could be combined.

Representatives of the City of Kotka, the National Board of Antiquities and the Alvar Aalto Foundation will also be included.

A block of flats designed by Alvar Aalto in Sunila, Kotka, on Alvar Aalto Street. — Buyers are interested in apartments in Sunila that are as close to their original condition as possible. Archive photo.

3. Signposts and hopes for tourism

The UNESCO destination may be of interest to tourists.

-This year, guide signs will be coming to the Sunila area that will tell where you can move, says Jani Kylmänen, Sunila activist.

Map of Kotka showing the location of Alvar Aalto Street. — Naturally, the Sunila area has also given Alvar Aalto his own street.

Pro Sunila members hope that tourists’ interest will also increase bus connections to the area. They are improved as needed, but slowly.

Pro Sunila Chairman Anne Stocker hopes that other services in the area will improve in the longer term.

– For example, there could be eateries when tourists bring money to the area.

There are already Airbnb activities in the area, which is likely to remain allowed in the future. Hannu Oksanen, a member of Pro Sunila’s Board of Directors and producer of the Sunila Aalto Kodit event, says that tourists are interested in architecture and culture.

4. There will be costs, but funding will be easier

Rehabilitation of buildings requires money. Housing companies are in different situations, for example with pipe repairs.

Rehabilitation may increase the company’s fees. On the other hand, as the interest in the area rises, banks also have a more favorable attitude towards loan application.

– Last year, when we applied for a loan for three -house drainage repairs, we received five loan offers. Funding was obtained from the Hypo Bank, which operates mainly in growth centers, he says.

UNESCO status could also open other funding opportunities, such as retaining EU subsidies to preserve the culture.