Turku's first entirely timber-constructed office building, AkvaCity, has been completed in Itäharju, an area currently transforming into Turku Science Park.
Developed by Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt, AkvaCity was completed at the end of April at Teollisuuskatu 46. The two-story, 2,400-square-meter building is entirely wood, and its main construction material is the eco-friendly CLT panel.
AkvaCity will be used in its entirety by Turun Vesihuolto, and about 80 Turun Vesihuolto employees will move in during May. The new premises will replace Turun Vesihuolto's office spaces in Halinen and Kaurakatu, as well as the customer service facilities at Logomo.
– AkvaCity perfectly met our hopes for a central location and environmental efficiency. We were particularly pleased with the timber structure, which is both environmentally friendly and comfortable, says Irina Nordman, CEO of Turun Vesihuolto.
The goal is for the building's climate benefits to equal the emissions caused by its construction.
AkvaCity was designed by Sarc + Sigge Arkkitehdit, and its lead designer is Jani Vahala. The construction of AkvaCity was carried out by Jatke Länsi-Suomi.
In addition to the recently completed office building, the project includes a hall for Turun Vesihuolto's depot operations, which will be completed by late summer. The site will also feature parking spaces, a green courtyard, and a storage building.
Timber construction enables ambitious environmental goals
AkvaCity will seek the highest level of environmental certification, LEED Platinum. The project is exceptionally ambitious in its environmental targets, and timber construction plays a key role in achieving them. The goal is for the building's climate benefits to equal the emissions caused by its construction.
– In the construction, the goal has been to ensure that carbon emissions do not exceed the climate benefits generated by the building. Wood acts as an efficient carbon sink and is a highly recyclable material, which is a significant advantage from the perspective of the building's entire lifecycle, says Mikko Lehtinen, CEO of Teknologiakiinteistöt.
AkvaCity's location in a prominent spot along the main entry road into Turku has also set high criteria for the project's appearance.
– AkvaCity continues the transformation of Itäharju into Turku Science Park and, like InfraCity and GeneCity, brings an urban environment to the developing area. We are also happy to welcome Turun Vesihuolto as part of the Science Park community, says Lehtinen.
