Otakaari 15 student housing project’s cornerstone laid in festive atmosphere

Aalto University Student Union’s new student housing property is being built in a central location within the Otaniemi campus. The cornerstone for the project was laid on Wednesday, 16 April, in a festive atmosphere.

The ceremony was held as a student-oriented event and organised by the AYY Board. The event was attended by student union employees, members of the Board and the Finance Board, project partners, representatives of the City of Espoo and the City Council, the contractor, and students. 

‘Once the new property is completed in 2026, the strong sense of community and unique energy of Otaniemi will extend to this building as new Aalto students move in. Common spaces and a vibrant neighborhood will support the growth of the community and foster student identity. Providing new student housing is a concrete way to support students and enable the best student life in the world. With this housing, more students will have access to affordable accommodation as part of the evolving Otaniemi community’, Tilda Leikola, Chair of the AYY Representative Council, noted in her opening speech.

Speeches were given by the City of Espoo’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Sports and Culture Mervi Heinaro, Aalto University Campus & Real Estate’s (ACRE) Executive Director Ville Jokela and the contractor Varte Ltd’s Executive Director Tuomas Parvila. 

After the speeches, the time capsule prepared by the Board was laid in the ground, and all who were willing were invited to take part in the laying of the cornerstone. 

The future residential building with 4–6 floors and 3 staircases will feature 153 apartments, mainly studios. In addition, the property will feature plenty of communal space. The total floor area of the building will be 4,465 m2. The building will utilise geothermal heating, and a solar power system with a capacity of 30 kWp will be installed on the roof. The new homes will be completed in the autumn of 2026.

Developer: Aalto University Student Union
Contractor: Varte Ltd
Architect: Architect Office A-konsultit Ltd