YIT Chosen for Tapiola Swimming Hall Renovation and Expansion
The City of Espoo has officially chosen YIT, one of Finland’s largest construction companies, to lead the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the historic Tapiola Swimming Hall. This decision follows a competitive procurement process, and the formal agreement is expected to be signed between April and May 2025, pending final approval from the city’s authorities.
This project represents a significant cultural and infrastructural investment for Espoo. Built in 1965 and designed by the renowned architect Aarne Ervi, the Tapiola Swimming Hall is not just a recreational facility but an integral part of Tapiola’s architectural identity and cultural heritage. The hall has been closed to the public since 2016 due to the need for substantial renovations, and this project will restore the iconic venue to its former glory while preparing it for decades of future use.
Scope of the Renovation and Expansion
The comprehensive refurbishment will touch every part of the swimming hall. The scope includes restoring the original 1965 building, modernizing its internal systems, constructing a new extension with updated dressing rooms and technical facilities, and revamping the surrounding outdoor areas. These upgrades will allow the swimming hall to meet the latest building standards and technological requirements while preserving its cultural and visual integrity.
YIT and the City of Espoo are collaborating closely to ensure that the work respects the original architecture. Key features—such as the distinctive roof dome of the main pool area—will be preserved in their current form. The surrounding outdoor areas and the 2005 extension building will also undergo necessary repairs and updates.
The design and execution will strictly adhere to conservation requirements set by the Finnish Heritage Agency and the ELY Centre, ensuring the project upholds the historical and architectural value of the original structure.
Project Timeline and Budget
Construction preparation is set to begin in May 2025, with major structural work starting shortly thereafter. The swimming hall is expected to reopen to the public by spring 2028. The total value of the contract for YIT is approximately €35 million. Once the agreement is signed, this amount will be entered into YIT’s Q2 2025 order book, marking a significant addition to its current project portfolio.
Sustainability and Community Focus
A cornerstone of the Tapiola Swimming Hall renovation is sustainability. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction by adopting resource-efficient practices. For instance, materials from the existing structure will be recycled where possible. New construction elements will prioritize materials with long service lives, low environmental stress, and ease of repair and maintenance.
YIT is also placing strong emphasis on community collaboration. Given the central location of the swimming hall within the Tapiola district, the company plans to engage residents and local organizations throughout the construction phase. This will help to ensure that disruptions are minimized and that local feedback is incorporated wherever feasible.
Leadership Perspectives
Both the City of Espoo and YIT have expressed strong commitment to the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving the hall’s cultural significance while updating it for modern use.
“We are pleased that YIT has been selected as the main contractor for the Tapiola Swimming Hall project, which holds significant regional and cultural historical value,” said Aleksi Laine, Head of YIT’s Infra segment. “Our shared goal with the City of Espoo is to return the swimming hall to the community as a state-of-the-art facility that still honors the legacy of its original design. We’ll be bringing in modern technology while retaining its classic appearance. Due to its central location, we are especially mindful of working in close cooperation with the residents and stakeholders of the area during construction.”
Echoing these sentiments, Olli Isotalo, Director of Urban Environment in Espoo, highlighted the broader cultural impact of the project. “The Tapiola Swimming Hall is much more than a swimming facility. It is an essential part of the cultural environment of Tapiola and one of the architectural landmarks of the area. Its renovation and expansion will not only restore a cherished public service but will also enhance the historical and cultural landscape of Tapiola.”
Historical Background
The Tapiola Swimming Hall was designed by Aarne Ervi, one of Finland’s most celebrated modernist architects. Completed in 1965, it was part of the original vision for the Tapiola Central Area, which combined urban planning with green spaces and cultural amenities. Ervi’s designs played a central role in shaping the identity of Tapiola, and the swimming hall quickly became a symbol of the community’s progressive and people-focused design ethos.
After more than five decades of use, the building was eventually deemed structurally and technologically outdated, prompting its closure in 2016. Since then, city officials and local residents have strongly advocated for its restoration, culminating in the current renovation and expansion initiative.
