AkvaCity
AkvaCity is Turku Technology Properties’ first property complex built entirely from wood. The two-story, 2,400 square meter building’s primary construction material is environmentally friendly CLT building panels. Design and implementation have focused on cost-effective life-cycle solutions and maximizing energy efficiency. The construction project is applying for LEED v4 Platinum certification – the highest possible environmental classification.
At the core of this project is wood construction. The aim is for the building’s environmental benefits to counteract its construction-related emissions, making it an exceptionally sustainable office solution. AkvaCity’s impressive wooden facade features OrganoWood technology, which allows the wood to gracefully gray over time, enhancing its durability and minimizing maintenance. Turku Technology Properties developed the building, which was built for Turun Vesihuolto; approximately 80 of their employees relocated to AkvaCity in May. Jatke Länsi-Suomi was responsible for the construction.
Technical solutions
Special attention was paid to the acoustic and soundproofing solutions of the premises. The goal was to create a calm, noise-free environment. The careful layout of functions and technical solutions ensured that different activities wouldn’t interfere with each other. An acoustics expert was involved in designing the premises’ acoustics.
The acoustic design criteria precisely defined the reverberation times for various room types, along with the speech transmission index and speech distinguishable index, both of which describe speech intelligibility. Furthermore, requirements for sound insulation between rooms were established.
The construction project is applying for LEED v4 certification, targeting its highest rating, Platinum, and also aiming for indoor climate classification class S1.
Architectural design
Sarc + Sigge Arkkitehdit
Chief designer Jani Vahala
Arkkitehti SAFA
Team leader, partner
jani.vahala@sarcsigge.fi
Areas of expertise: 3D modeling and image processing, floating buildings
Project in brief
AkvaCity
- Location | Turku
- Purpose | Toimisto- ja teollisuusrakennus
- Constructor/Client | Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt
- Year of completion | 2025
- Floor area | 2 753 m2
- Total area | 2 861 m2
- Volume | 12 210 m3
- Architectural Design | Sarc + Sigge Arkkitehdit
- Structural design | Sweco Finland Oy
- Acoustic design | Promethor Oy
- Fire safety design | Rejlers Finland Oy
- HVAC design | Sitowise Group Oyj
- Sprinklerisuunnittelu | Afire Oy
- Electrical design | Sitowise Group Oyj
- Interior design | Sarc + Sigge Arkkitehdit
- Main contractor | Jatke Länsi-Suomi
- Other contractors | RTM Rakenne Oy (Puurunko, asennus)
- Wood component supplier | ARCWOOD
- Photographs | Vesa Loikas
- Text | Vesa Loikas