EKA
The second construction stage of the residential area comprises EKA (The Etelä-Kymi housing company) situated in the northern part of the area, jointly founded by the Sunila, A. Ahlström and Halla factories. The area, built in 1938 – 39, consists of a heating plant and five blocks of flats.
EKA heating plant
The heart of the area, the heating plant and laundry building, rises up from the rocky hillside. It combines formal themes and materials to create a sculpture-like ensemble. In 1997 a meeting point for the community was founded in the building.
EKAn lämpökeskus vuonna 1938 kuva: foto roos, sunila Oy:n arkisto
EKA heating plant
In 1938 EKA was founded jointly by the Sunila, A. Ahlström and Kymi companies to accommodate the workers of each. EKA is composed of the EKA heating plant and five apartment buildings. The heart of the area, the heating plant and laundry building completed in 1938, rises up from the rocky hillside, its shapes and volumes forming an architectural climax. It combines formal themes and materials to create a sculpture-like ensemble.
In the spaces formerly occupied by the laundry, operates Alvariska, one of the five neighbourhood homes found in Kotka. It serves as a shared café and parlour for the whole community and also offers a plethora of services and activities. The community house has a large impact on the atmosphere of the area and serves tostrengthen the solidarity along with substituting lost services. On the ground floor of the house where the housekeepers residence used to be, a sauna and laundry has been built with community efforts.
