Construction of Noodi within the Sähkötalo building reaches roof level – one of Finland’s largest investments in research and education
Noodi is being constructed by University Properties of Finland Ltd (SYK) and will be leased to Tampere University. In line with SYK’s operating model, active involvement from the future users of the building has been a priority throughout the construction project. The project is managed by SRV in collaboration with the contractor.
“This project is significant to us not only because of its scale but also because of its purpose. We are creating an innovative environment that will support future research and learning. It has been wonderful to witness how close collaboration between future users, designers and the contractor has enabled such rapid progress, especially considering that we are working in the heart of a busy campus and under technically demanding conditions,” says Sanna Sianoja, CEO of SYK.
“One of SRV’s key priorities is to reinforce its leading role in collaborative project management. This approach has also proven highly effective in the construction of Noodi, which has been governed by several qualitative and functional goals,” says Tero Karislahti, Senior Vice President, Regional Units, at SRV. “This project allows us to leverage SRV’s extensive expertise in constructing challenging laboratory facilities and modern learning environments. Throughout the project, we have placed a special emphasis on maintaining a continuous flow of information and open communication,” he adds.
Technically demanding construction project at the heart of a lively campus
The construction of Noodi began with demolition works in the summer of 2024. The first phase of demolition was completed by mid-December, and construction commenced in early 2025. The building frame was completed in May. The installation of building services systems and flooring is currently underway. The project also includes the renovation of some of the existing parts of the Sähkötalo building, most of which have already been completed and handed over to the University. Currently, approximately 170–180 workers are on site, with the number occasionally rising to 200.
The construction of Noodi has advanced rapidly despite the challenges of building in the midst of a busy campus. Every effort has been made to ensure that campus activities continue as normally as possible.
A distinctive feature of the project is the extensive range of building services systems. As Noodi will accommodate multiple laboratories and their auxiliary spaces, a large number of technically demanding specialist systems – including laboratory gas and water purification systems – must be installed.
In line with the sustainability goals of the project, innovative construction methods have been adopted, including the use of green concrete wherever technically feasible. As a result, Noodi’s carbon dioxide emissions are significantly lower than those of a conventional building. Energy efficiency and energy recovery have been prioritised in both the new construction and the renovation of existing facilities. Consequently, BREEAM certification will be sought, with a rating of Excellent for Noodi and Very Good for the renovated sections.
New research environment fosters functional and spatial synergies
The new facilities will support research carried out by the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (ENS), the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences (ITC) and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) at Tampere University.
“For Tampere University, Noodi represents a significant investment in research and education, with total costs exceeding €100 million when including the research equipment that will be housed within the building. The state-of-the-art facilities and the collaborative research environment, which will foster synergies across our faculties, are an investment in the future. Noodi will enable the pursuit of new scientific and educational directions that bring together the University’s specialist expertise and extensive collaborative networks. At the same time, it will enhance the impact of our research and strengthen the conditions for industry collaboration, which are key factors in improving Finland’s future competitiveness,” says Keijo Hämäläinen, President of Tampere University.
Noodi will bring under one roof the experimental research facilities currently located on the Hervanta campus, along with those being relocated from the city centre campus. Spatial efficiency has been optimised, with operations housed in smaller yet increasingly functional facilities. The facilities are designed to maximise flexibility and adaptability as well as meet the diverse requirements of different research activities. With a roof height of five metres, Noodi can also accommodate large-scale equipment.
Project overview: renovation and construction within the Sähkötalo building
- Client: University Properties Finland Ltd.
- Primary user: Tampere University.
- Project management: SRV.
- Architectural design: Arkkitehtitoimisto Helamaa&Heiskanen.
- Construction and oversight: HTJ Oy, acting as SRV’s construction consultant.
- Budget for phase one: €47 million.
- The gross floor area of Noodi is approximately 8,800 square metres.
- The renovated sections within wings A, B and J of the Sähkötalo building cover a gross floor area of around 6,900 square metres.
- The project began with renovation works in the summer of 2024. Demolition works to make space for Noodi commenced in August 2024, and construction of the new building started in early 2025. The first phase of demolition, involving wings C, D, O, H and G, was completed in mid-December 2024.
Enquiries:
Jarmo Takala, Vice President, Tampere University, Tel. +358 40 541 6897, jarmo.takala [at] tuni.fi
Sanna Sianoja, CEO, University Properties of Finland Ltd, Tel. +358 50 351 2207, sanna.sianoja [at] sykoy.fi
Tero Karislahti, SVP, Regional Units, Tel. +358 40 843 9895, tero.karislahti [at] srv.fi
Heidi Tetteh, Communications Manager, SRV, Tel. +358 40 662 3220, heidi.tetteh [at] srv.fi
