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The Mustikkamaa pilot project aims to be a pioneer in circular economy construction, addressing the need for tangible examples in design processes and material reuse. Nearly all materials for the building, apart from foundations, are sourced from demolition sites, aligning with ambitious circular economy goals seen in similar projects in the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. Initiated by Aalto University and the City of Helsinki following a student competition won by Johanna Saarela and Markus Saarela, the project focuses on high architectural quality and international visibility. 

Aalto University leads both the design and the research aspects, lead by professor Antti Lehto and architect Havu Järvelä, providing precise insights into circular design and material flows. 

Background: The Need for Circular Construction Pilot  

There is a lot of talk about the circular economy, but concrete examples are rare. Both in research and the construction field, there is a call for tangible examples. We need information on how the design process, carbon footprint, construction costs, the validation of the suitability of reusable building components, and material flows suitable for reuse are realized in practice. 

The pilot aims at high architectural quality, drawing attention at an international level while fostering an understanding of the possibilities and challenges of the circular economy in construction. The building is used by the City of Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure Division, and consists of a cold storage space for sports equipment and a warm maintenance hall with social facilities. 

A New Paradigm for Design and Construction

Architecture based on reused materials is familiar in traditional construction, but new in contemporary construction. The design process and the underlying philosophy are radically different. Designers have previously specified procurement or factory-made products, but now designers base their creativity on materials salvaged from existing buildings.

The Closing Loops project has proved that the Circular Economy raises the skill level required of designers. Improvisation skills and quick decision-making are needed, as the available materials are less predictable than those ordered from manufacturers, and demolition processes are fast. Designers must communicate more effectively, show flexibility, and coordinate closely with various stakeholders.

Truly Ecological Architecture 

The most ecologically sustainable way to build is to reuse existing materials and make the building easy to maintain, adaptable, and dismantlable. Closing Loops embodies all of this. Its carbon footprint is low because virgin materials are primarily needed for the foundations. The building has been designed to be as functionally and structurally clear as possible, facilitating adaptability to different uses and ease of maintenance. The building materials have been carefully selected. They stand the test of time, both technically and aesthetically, even though most materials have already lived 30-50 years. 

A Microcosm of Aalto University: Art, Science, and Teaching  

Art and science run side by side in Closing Loops. The multidisciplinary nature is well demonstrated by the fact that students from two schools of Aalto, ARTS and ENG, made the joint competition proposal. The project offers young designers the chance to test their wings on a real, cutting-edge project with the support of Aalto professionals. 

The documentation and research of the design and construction process following the circular economy principles with the same precision as in Closing Loops have not been conducted in the context of a completed building in the Nordic countries. The research data collected from architectural, structural, electrical and HVAC design together with material procurement, and building site is exceptionally comprehensive, and the resulting research has international significance. Two doctoral researchers from the Department of Architecture are currently utilizing the data from Closing Loops.The accumulated data and the completed building will be used also in future research. 

Through Closing Loops, new knowledge will emerge about the skills future building designers will need, benefiting education in the construction sector, both in architecture and engineering. For example, the Department of Architecture’s courses already utilize the insights of the project, such as the Circular Construction lecture series, and the master-level studios Sustainable Construction and Housing Design.

Impact at Aalto and in Society 

The project transcends organizational boundaries at Aalto University, the City of Helsinki, and the involved companies. Experts and builders have contributed their expertise to the design and construction, while at the same time, they are bringing the latest circular economy knowledge back to their organizations. The City of Helsinki with all together four divisions are strongly involved as a main partner and will develop its processes through the learnings of the pilot. One important milestone is a general report, which will based on the scientific articles. 

The project advances circular economy practices in construction not only for the City of Helsinki but also more broadly in Finland. For example, the knowledge generated by the pilot can be utilized by other cities, design teams, developers and other companies involved in the circular economy. 

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