YIT has announced the incorporation of a new circular economy brick solution in the construction of the circular economy block in Jätkäsaari, Helsinki, Finland. 

The project, part of the city's Kehittyvä kerrostalo programme, is designed to stand for the principles of the circular economy throughout its construction and use. 

Last year, YIT secured a turnkey contract with the Yrjö and Hanna Foundation for the circular economy block. 

Upon completion, the block will feature accessible right-of-occupancy apartments, rental apartments for older residents, and commercial premises.  

ARK-house Arkkitehdit is responsible for the architectural design while A-Insinöörit is overseeing the other design aspects of the project.

The project aims to integrate circular economy principles such as low carbon footprint, material reuse, and long-term reparability.  

The construction process prioritises the use of renewable, recycled, or recyclable materials to minimise environmental impact. 

YIT construction manager Janne Piepponen noted that the city plan for Jätkäsaari recommends the use of bricks as suitable circular economy materials for the site's facade. 

Piepponen said: “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 Fiskars Group’s Iittala glass factory as one of the options for recycled material to be used in the project.” 

A-Insinöörit Sustainable Construction specialist Janita Rintala noted that the company sought help from the Iittala glass factory and Wienerberger to involve them in the project.  

Wienerberger and A-Insinöörit discussed creating a circular economy brick made with recycled glass and sanitary porcelain.  

These bricks, produced at the Koria brick factory in Kouvola, Finland, comprise approximately 40% recycled materials and feature a rough texture with visible small crystals. 

The circular economy bricks are said to have passed production tests, meeting the CE certification requirements.  

A selection of these bricks will be used in a brick pavilion under construction in Kerava's Kivisilta area, as part of the URF sustainable construction festival.