We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group

PROPERTY
Uutela Canal, Finland
BRINGING THE SEA CLOSER TO HOME AT
AURINKOLAHTI
Despite its inland location, the new residential area of Aurinkolahti
in eastern Helsinki feels very close to the sea, thanks to the
construction of a new waterway linking it to the seaside resort
of Uutela.WSP was responsible for the entire design and
construction planning of the canal and all the associated
infrastructure and landscaping.
The canal is nearly 700 m in length and is crossed by four bridges.
It consists of three basins with depths varying from 0.2 m to 2.2 m.
The water – sea water – flows from the top basin to the next via
salmon leaps, then falls into the lowest one as a spectacular waterfall
with a path allowing people to walk underneath it.
For WSP, the chief technical challenge was to design a watercourse
from scratch on dry land. Mechanics of the water flow were
thoroughly studied using the best knowledge available in Finland
and through the preparation of full-scale and computerised models.
The client required the highest standards of quality, functionality,
sustainability and aesthetics to be applied to the design and
implementation of the canal. Our team worked closely with the
Helsinki University of Technology and material suppliers to ensure
that the design, materials and technical solutions met the client’s
requirements.The end result is an original and highly attractive
way of bringing the sea closer to the residents of Aurinkolahti.
Client:
City of Helsinki
Project partners:
Architects: B&M Architects Ltd
Contractor: Niska & Nyyssönen Oy
Project value:
£380 000
Status:
Design 2003 – 2006 running concurrently with construction. Completion 2006
WSP services:
Civil engineering
Highway engineering
Bridge design
Landscape design
Geotechnical engineering
Construction planning
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