The City of Helsinki has enlisted YIT for the construction of the Melkinlaituri elementary school and daycare centre in Jätkäsaari, Helsinki.

YIT will focus on the design and implementation, emphasising optimal energy consumption for the property, which will be owned by the city. The contract also includes a 20-year service period.

The project, valued at approximately €44m ($48.31m), will advance to the order backlog after its building permit is legally approved.

The building will span approximately 8,200m² and cater to 550 primary and pre-school pupils and 250 children in daycare.

The design focuses on pedagogically diverse spaces to foster a conducive learning and growth environment.

Construction of the project, which will see use of life cycle model, is anticipated to commence in early 2025, following the completion of the planning phase, with the property's expected handover in late spring 2027.

Flexibility is a core feature of the construction, with spaces designed to adapt to changing needs and age structures of pupils.

The building will also offer shared spaces for community use during off-hours.

YIT is aiming to minimise the carbon footprint of the construction and building throughout its life cycle, aiming for a four-star RTS classification.

The building will incorporate renewable energy sources, including a solar power system to supply at least 30% of the electricity for lighting and property needs.

In May 2024, YIT announced the use of a new circular economy brick solution for the construction of a circular economy block in Jätkäsaari, Helsinki.