Dense and tall construction generated discussion at the Tiilismäenrinne plan residents’ event
About a dozen participants attended the Tiilismäenrinne plan information and discussion event on 10 April 2025 at Mainingin koulu. After a short information session, the participants had the chance to discuss the amendment proposal to the detailed plan and the related plans. The discussion was held around tables together with the planners and representatives of Lujatalo, architectural firm HMV and Viher-ja ympäristökonsultointi Vireo. A number of elected officials were present to exchange ideas with the residents and planners.
The aim of the amendment to the detailed plan is to transform the current industrial area into an urban entity with housing, business premises and a day care centre.
Below is an interview conducted after the event with the principal designer of the plan, architect Lauri Kolttola.
Which aspects of the Tiilismäenrinne plan were of most interest to the residents?
The participants wanted to hear how the plan proposal has changed during the re-preparation process. They felt that the construction as proposed in the plan proposal was still too dense. The shading effect of the new buildings was of particular concern. The residents expressed the wish that tall buildings should be lowered and relocated. The participants also asked about the grounds for locating tall buildings in the Tiilismäenrinne area. The discussion also raised the issue of increased traffic, which will increase with new residents and operations, such as a day care centre. The timing of construction was also of interest to the residents.
However, the amendment proposal was seen as a positive development compared to the previous stages of the detailed plan amendment. Among the functioning solutions were the placement of a day care centre in the eastern part of the area, closer to the Kattilalaakso residential area, and the placement of a multi-storey car park in a more secluded location, as well as sheltered courtyards on the ground level.
What was the atmosphere at the event like?
The atmosphere at the event was good, calm and inquisitive. The discussion was constructively critical.
What is important to understand about the Kiviruukki area and the Tiilismäenrinne plan amendment?
The Tiilismäenrinne plan area is centrally located for Kiviruukki, close to the Kivenlahti metro station. The western part of the plan area borders Kiviruukki’s central urban space, Ruukintie and the future Kiviruukinaukio square. The north-eastern and eastern parts of the plan area are located near the Kattilalaakso residential area. In the amendment proposal, the density and height of construction decreases towards the Kattilalaakso residential area.
Was there any other feedback to the city?
Improvements were requested in the way the plans are communicated, such as making social media posts of the plans available for public review and making the plans for the area easy to find on a single web page.
It was also requested that the following of the progress of the plans be improved. The participants found it challenging to keep track of and participate in several separate detailed plans. They also felt that it was difficult to visualise the future environment through several plans. The participants also hoped that there would be an easy way to submit an objection.
The progress of the plans can be followed throughout Espoo and within one’s own region by subscribing to the Have Your Say Now newsletter.
Familiarise yourself with the plan materials
The materials of the Tiilismäenrinne plan proposal can be found on the plan web page.
The plan proposal will be open for public review from 31 March to 29 April 2025, during which time it will be possible to submit objections to the plan. After taking the objections into consideration, the plan will be submitted to the City Planning Committee for approval.
Updates on the progress of the planning work will be provided via the plan web page and the City of Espoo town plan announcements.