The extension to Satakunta Air Wing’s barracks completed in Pirkkala – new accommodation quarters for conscripts and multipurpose facilities for training and indoor sports
Defence Properties Finland has built a new extension to the barracks at Satakunta Air Wing’s base in Pirkkala. The new building has accommodation quarters for conscripts, separate drying rooms for equipment, staff offices and multipurpose premises. The second part of the construction project, the complete renovation of the barracks dating back to the 1980s, is ongoing at Pirkkala.
The new part of the barracks completed to schedule and the building was officially inaugurated on Monday 18 November. Conscripts had already earlier moved into the new quarters and the multipurpose premises, which serve as a temporary facility during the renovation of the barracks.
The equipment drying rooms in the new building are separate from the accommodation quarters. This improves indoor air quality and ensures more pleasant conditions for conscripts. Equipment drying and storage facilities help to keep the material in better condition than earlier. The toilets and sanitary facilities are more private and suitable for shared use by men and women. The extension has provided the garrison with a new multipurpose premises that can be used in a variety of ways, including as an auditorium, training and indoor sports facilities.
“The barracks extension now completed and the ongoing renovation of the old barracks will provide modern facilities and a backdrop for conscript service and supporting activities,” says Colonel Markus Leivo, Commander of Satakunta Air Wing.
The old barracks building is undergoing extensive renovation
On completion of the extension at Pirkkala, work started on extensive renovation of the old barracks, which will complete in October 2025. Renovation will involve almost complete dismantling of the building apart from the frame. This will avoid any risky structures remaining in the building. The façade will also be repaired and all the building technology will be replaced to bring it into line with modern requirements.
The barracks undergoing renovation will include accommodation quarters, recreational facilities for conscripts, training and simulator facilities and staff working areas. On completion of the project, the accommodation capacity for conscripts will increase to 350.
Both the extension and the barracks now undergoing renovation will meet the technical and functional requirements specified for modern barracks buildings in accordance with the Finnish Defence Forces’ work and learning environment concept.
When the Pirkkala barracks concept completes next year, all the accommodation barracks used by the Finnish Air Force will have been renovated to bring them into line with the requirements of the 21st century.
Investment of around €18 million
”The around €18 million barracks project at the Pirkkala base is an investment in the wellbeing of conscripts and the modern operating environment of the Finnish Air Force. When a nation provides its prime age group for national defence, we must ensure that they have healthy and safe conditions of service,” says CEO Matias Warsta at Defence Properties Finland.
Rakennusliike J. Malm Oy is the lead contractor in the project.
