YIT Corporation Press Release
The first circular economy block for lifelong learning in the Nordic countries will be built in Jätkäsaari,
The project is part of the city of
The goal was to find a sustainable facade material based on recycled materials
The construction of the circular economy block strives to use materials that are renewable, recycled or recyclable, or otherwise less burdensome to the environment.
"At YIT, we assessed circular economy materials suitable for the facade and Jätkäsaari's city plan recommends using bricks. However, no suitable ready-made products could be found, and A-Insinöörit, who acted as a consultant for the circular economy and sustainable construction in the project, came up with the idea of creating a new product. A-Insinöörit proposed recycled glass from
"We investigated the possibilities of some companies operating in
Discussions between Wienerberger and the architecture firm led to the idea of producing a circular economy brick using recycled glass and sanitary porcelain to serve as the main facade material for the project.
"We already had previous experience of using sanitary porcelain as part of the brick material. Based on laboratory tests, the use of recycled glass looked promising, and we were able to quickly proceed to factory tests," said
"The brick is well suited for the facade material of the circular economy block, and its surface looks impressive. As a material, the brick is long-lasting, maintenance-free and resistant to the demanding seaside weather conditions of Jätkäsaari. Replacing virgin raw materials with recycled materials in brick manufacturing is an excellent way to support the project's objectives. The agile development of the new circular economy brick made it possible for it to be selected for the project," said Piepponen.
The circular economy block takes a comprehensive approach to the sustainable construction of the future. This can be seen, for example, in structural design, which takes into account the removable nature of structures. In addition, HVAC design and energy systems are examined in such a way that they also serve well into the future. In anticipation of future climate conditions, the outdoor areas are designed with heavy rainfall and periods of heat in mind, and they also help preserve biodiversity.
Good results from factory testing of bricks
The use of recycled crushed products in the production of bricks affects the appearance of the brick and thus the brick facade surface. Sand and clay substitutes also affect the behaviour of the brick material during firing. Therefore, all products containing recycled materials are taken through the firing process and carefully tested.
In the development project of the circular economy bricks, the first extensive production tests have been carried out at the Koria brick factory in Kouvola. The bricks contain about 40% recycled materials and have a rougher appearance than conventional bricks, and the crushed porcelain and glass is visible on the brick surface as small crystals. The technical properties of the circular economy bricks meet the requirements for CE certification.
"We wanted circular economy solutions to be visible in structures. It is good to note that such a significant use of recycled materials does not substantially change the appearance of the brick. This should encourage more extensive use of the circular economy bricks. It's great that the project resulted in a new permanent product for Wienerberger's product range. The bricks are also manufactured in
New bricks in test use at the URF festival's brick pavilion
Some of the circular economy bricks from the production test will be in test use in a brick pavilion being built in the Kivisilta area in Kerava as part of the URF sustainable construction festival. Designed by architects
"It was important to us that there is a genuine use for the prototype bricks that promotes the circular economy so they are not wasted," said Maiju Paasiviita, Marketing Manager at Wienerberger.
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YIT has signed a contract with the Yrjö and
More information:
Janne Piepponen, Construction Manager, YIT, +358 40 759 7616, janne.piepponen@yit.fi
YIT Group Communications: tel. +358 44 743 7536, press@yit.fi
YIT is a leading construction and development company. Building on over 110 years of experience, we develop and build sustainable living environments: functional homes, future-proof public and commercial buildings, and infrastructure to support the green transition. We employ approximately 4,300 professionals in eight countries. Our revenue in 2023 was
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