From low terraced houses to high-rise apartment buildings
A pleasant and green residential area for approximately 1,500 residents is being planned in the southern part of Pihlajisto, along Lahdenväylä. The aim of the plan amendment is to develop the southern part of Pihlajisto into a centre-like, dense and urban environment. At present, the planning area includes apartment buildings, parking areas, a school and rocky woodland areas. Lahdenväylä runs along the southern side of the area. The amendment to the local detailed plan, which began in autumn 2025, has now reached the draft plan stage.
‘We have drafted three alternative plans for the area, which are used to examine the functionality of different solutions. After receiving feedback on the plans, we will select one for further development or create a new one, combining the best parts of the alternatives,’ says Architect Sofia de Vocht.
The western and eastern sides of the plan amendment area currently have parking areas and business premises, which are the basis for most of the planned construction in all alternatives. The new daycare centre building next to Pihlajisto Primary School has also been planned similarly in all three alternatives.
The plans differ from one another in terms of the height of the buildings and the size of the blocks, for example. The greatest variation is found in the blocks along Lahdenväylä.
The central area of the plan amendment consists of a forest area, which can be conserved to varying degrees in the different alternatives. Pihlajistonkallio near the middle of the plan area, a moist grove in the northern part of the plan area, and part of the hillside with maples in the eastern part of the area have been left untouched in all alternatives.
Residents can view the plan alternatives on the Voice your opinion online survey and comment on them until 24 September.
The area can be built in the 2030s at the earliest.
The ancient shoreline is influencing the park plan
The Pihlajalaakso park area between Pihlajisto and Pihlajamäki is being redeveloped. The park plan is based on the natural history of the area and the landscape features shaped by the ice age. The features of the ancient shoreline near the park are reflected in the park’s landscaping. Mounds will be built in the park, providing spaces for relaxation, play and a variety of plantings. A stormwater depression will also be constructed in the area.
Various exercise possibilities and plantings featuring many different species are also planned for the park, increasing the comfort, biodiversity and visibility of seasonal variation in the area. The objective is to create a unique park full of experiences, providing recreational possibilities for different ages of users throughout the year.
If the park plan is approved in late 2026, construction of the park could begin in autumn 2027, according to the preliminary schedule.
Come along to the resident event on 17 September to discuss the plans
The plans for the southern part of Pihlajisto and Pihlajalaakso will be discussed at a resident event on 17 September 2026 at 17.00–18.30 at Pihlajamäki Youth Centre, Moreenitie 2. Further information on the event can be found online at hel.fi/asukastilaisuudet (in Finnish).
The plans for the southern part of Pihlajisto can be viewed at Pihlajamäki Youth Centre (Moreenitie 2) and at hel.fi/suunnitelmat from 3 to 24 September 2026. The park plan draft for Pihlajalaakso will be available for viewing from 9 to 22 September 2026 on the City’s website at hel.fi/suunnitelmat under ‘Street and park plans’.