Successful Water Tower renovation using creativity and modern technology

Ilmala 2 Water Tower is one of Helsinki’s landmarks and the city’s only water tower open to the public. The renewal combines the original design with Purso’s weather-resistant and energy-efficient facade system that lasts in Nordic conditions—standing out as a creative example of how a building from the 1970s can be successfully renovated by using modern technology. 

The Challenge: Renewal Without Losing Originality

Ilmala Water Tower is one of the most significant water towers in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The building, also known as Vesilinna, is multifunctional and includes office, meeting, and restaurant spaces. The building attracts visitors as it offers beautiful views towards the city centre and Central Park and, in clear weather, all the way to Tallinn. As the Ilmala 2 water tower is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency’s s2 marking, the starting point for the renovation was preserving the original design. Thus, the critical architectural challenge was using modern construction technology in the old structures. 

The Solution: Engineering the Facades with Thought

In the two-phase renovation project commissioned by HSY, the roof of Ilmala 2, the upper floor of the roof building and the thermal insulation and surface materials of the facades were renewed. At the same time, the interior of the roof building was renovated, and the building technology was renewed to meet current standards.  

The original facade was replaced with Purso’s new aluminium profile system, harnessing the possibilities of the latest facade technology. Purso’s solutions were fit for the project and design due to the project-specific facade and window system solutions, which were taken into consideration in the early planning phase. 

The project was carried out smoothly and closely with HSY, AFRY, and AFRY ARK Studio. In the project, the contractor for the exterior renovation was Skanska Infra Oy, and the construction company Restok Oy supplied the interior. 

The Result: Future-Proof and True to the Original

The renewal combines the water tower’s original design with Purso’s weather-resistant and energy-efficient facade system that lasts in Nordic conditions—standing out as a creative example of how a building from the 1970s can be successfully renovated by using modern technology. 

The building’s energy efficiency and thermal insulation were improved so that the premises are sustainable and comfortable for their users both in summer and winter, making it attractive for visitors. Concurrently, the lifecycle of the building is now significantly longer. 

Client Quote

“Purso’s active role in the technically challenging project was crucial for success. After Purso was selected as the product supplier, the cooperation continued seamlessly also with Metek, the façade subcontractor for Skanska. In this phase, AFRY’s role was to comment on the production plans Metek and Purso had drawn.” 

– Tuomas Tervonen, Department Manager, Architect SAFA (MSc Arch.), AFRY 

About AFRY

AFRY AB is a Swedish supplier of engineering, design, and advisory services with a global reach. The company originates from Sweden and was formed in 1895 as ”The Southern Swedish Steam Generator Association”.  The group employees est. 19,000 people globally.