Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages

A new school building that creates opportunities

The four-storey building has a gross area of approximately 8,000 square metres. It replaces the school’s former premises located in Itäkeskus. The new facilities serve around 900 students from both the upper secondary school and the adult education institute. In addition, the building offers leisure and sports facilities for local residents and supports high-quality teaching in a modern, functional environment.

Staff involved in the design process

The new school building, the neighbouring Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and the new Stadin Vocational and Adult Education Institute will together form a shared campus area. The architectural design was carried out by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects, who involved the school’s staff in the design work.

Construction completed three months early

Our extensive experience in school construction projects across Finland was reflected in the smooth project execution — the site was completed three months ahead of schedule. Particular attention was paid to dust and moisture control. More than 1,100 professionals worked on site during the different construction phases of the project, which began in summer 2021.

“Collaboration with SRV’s project team worked extremely well, and it was a pleasure to represent the client in such a professionally delivered project,” says Kari Pehkonen, Project Director, Urban Environment Division, City of Helsinki.

Responsible construction and renewable energy

The City of Helsinki’s Carbon-neutral Helsinki 2035 objectives guided the project’s planning and material choices. Renewable energy is produced on site, including through solar panels. The building features an energy-efficient hybrid solution combining district heating with an air-to-water heat pump system.

Located next to Myllypuro metro station, the school building was completed in spring 2023, and students moved into the new premises for the autumn term 2023.