Piloting environments for circular economy in construction

The project transforms buildings awaiting demolition, owned by large private real estate owners, into innovation and pilot platforms for circular economy companies. The first circular economy innovation platform consists of the Keskinen Postipuisto properties in Pasila, which are also in the focus of the project’s first innovation challenge. The project aims to foster new innovations in areas such as the reuse of building components, AI-assisted circular design, and the role of building material manufacturers in enabling and supporting reuse.

The City of Helsinki serves as the lead partner of the project, while Aalto University acts as a project partner. The project is co-funded by the European Union (ERDF 2021–2027), with the Regional Council of Uusimaa serving as the managing authority.

Overview of the project

The project examines opportunities for reusing building components that can be dismantled intact from the buildings of Central Postipuisto area. It explores the design processes of various types of buildings constructed using reclaimed building components and develops standardised design solutions that support the reuse of construction materials. During the project, a range of innovation challenges will be organized, focusing on topics such as the reuse of building components and AI-assisted design solutions.

As part of the project, architectural plans and standard design drawings will be prepared for a modular parking facility constructed from reclaimed concrete elements. In addition, the project will assess the potential of new AI-based solutions within the circular economy of the construction sector and bring together providers of AI-driven solutions with stakeholders across the construction circular economy ecosystem.

The project will also host various events centred on its key themes, including market dialogue activities aimed at assessing the commercial potential of reclaimed building components.

Latest news in the project

Postipuisto as a piloting environment for circular economy – innovation challenge finalized in 11.6.26

In April, the project launched an innovation challenge in collaboration with Posti to identify concrete and pilotable solutions that support the future development of the former Posti headquarters area (in Central Postipuisto). The challenge brought together a diverse group of companies that submitted product- and service proposals aimed at strengthening the circular economy performance of the area.

The innovation challenge culminated in a Demo Day held on 11th of June, where ten companies presented their solutions and the winner of the challenge was selected. Following the jury’s evaluation, Material Hunter emerged as the winner with its proposal CIRKKA – a digital tool and online platform for the inventory and management of reclaimed demolition materials.

In the final round, the jury assessed each proposal based on both the pitch presentation and the accompanying written submission. CIRKKA performed exceptionally well against the evaluation criteria, and its presentation was praised for being clear, comprehensive, and convincing. The jury particularly commended the solution’s innovativeness, suitability for piloting, and potential to support the continued development of the Postipuisto area. Congratulations to Material Hunter on winning the innovation challenge!

The jury also awarded an honourable mention to Foundry Partners for its proposal ReValue Path, which impressed the panel with its approach to value creation through circular economy practices. Congratulations to the Foundry Partners team as well!

The project’s next innovation challenge will be launched in late 2026 and will focus on AI-driven design solutions. More information about the challenge will be shared in the autumn.