The building was inaugurated in 1941 and has served as the Student Union building of the School of Economics. Kulma21 was carried out according to the latest BREEAM environmental certification criteria for Excellent-level refurbishment, making it one of the first of this level refurbishment projects in Finland. The building is EU taxonomy-eligible and belongs to a nationally significant built cultural environment as defined by the Finnish Heritage Agency. The project restored the building to its original appearance. WSP was the structural designer, NCC the main contractor, and Tengbom was responsible for both the principal and architectural design.
Thanks to information modeling, the design and implementation of this complex refurbishment project were smoothly completed. The existing structures based on laser scanning and the new structures of the extension and attic were modeled, with the top floor almost entirely rebuilt. Additionally, all technical parts requiring coordination were modeled.
Modeling helped manage the unpredictability typical of renovation construction
The unpredictability typical of renovation construction was managed through digitization and a shared situational picture. The project was also characterized by the complexity of the original building structure and the rapid development of solutions. Using building information modeling and visual management, the necessary decisions were made, and technical solutions were jointly planned, allowing the construction site to progress.
3D photos with TruView and an information model linked to the implementation schedule in 4D formed the basis for visual management of the site implementation, ensuring the project stayed on track and progressed as planned. The location of the site in the heart of Helsinki posed challenges for the area, logistics, and work planning, as space was very limited. NCC used SketchUp to outline different site area arrangement options, and the modeled 3D area plan included, among others, neighboring properties, access routes, weather protection, cranes, elevators, traffic arrangements, and street areas rented from the city during the construction period. Integrating building systems and new structures with the original building frame required extremely precise cooperation from all parties and would not have been possible without digital coordination and visual management.
The digital twin enabled collaborative design process from various locations
3D photos and the information model were the basis for visual management. This enabled innovative and intensive design (including optimization of intermediate floor structures, building system solutions, and fire and evacuation technology optimization). An almost complete digital twin of the building was created, enabling joint design regardless of location. The project was designed during the pandemic from many different places.
Underutilized office buildings are an acute problem in Finland. The project demonstrates that renovation and conversions are commercially viable when approached with passion and leveraging information modeling and digitization for renovation needs. Under building information model-based management, the recycling rate reached 63 percent. Renovating the legendary KY building was an important act for the cityscape and cultural history.
Renovation construction significantly helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction
The 50-year carbon footprint of the Kulma21 project is about 20 percent smaller compared to building a new construction alternative. This was achieved through visual management. The project was the first in Finland to seek a BREEAM certificate for renovation construction design and achieved an Excellent level through building information model-based management. The building's energy modeling was carried out using IDA-ICE tools based on the building information model.
Taxonomy was the center of attention in the project, and the application was based on the material and quantity data produced by the building information model. Success required flexibility, agility, and cooperation from the entire chain, from authorities to the end user, and the building information model enabled visual management.
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Project Stakeholder Roles:
Client: NCC Property Development Oy
Main Contractor: NCC Suomi Oy
Principal and Architectural Design: Tengbom Oy
Structural Design:Â WSP Finland Oy
MEP Design: Granlund Oy
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