Turku’s existing concert hall has reached the end of its lifespan, and a new music hall, Fuuga, is currently being built on the eastern shore of the Aura River. The hall is scheduled to open in 2026.
The new music hall is being built according to the alliance model in which the City of Turku has partnered with a group consisting of Hartela, PES-Arkkitehdit, and WSP Finland. All the parties are jointly responsible for the design, implementation, and risks of the project. Fuuga is a large-scale project with a construction cost of EUR 90.5 million and a total area of 11,380 m².
A cultural venue
The music hall will have two halls, with the main concert hall accommodating 1,300 people. Additionally, a multipurpose hall with a capacity of 300 will serve as a rehearsal space and a venue for various events.
Fuuga will also include a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with gardens, which pose specific structural and soundproofing requirements. Once completed, the building will complement the chain of cultural buildings along the Aura River and is expected to be a popular attraction for international visitors as well.
Acoustics take center stage
Fuuga’s main hall is designed with orchestral music in mind, and its stage is sized for 100 performers. Part of the stage can be lowered to create an orchestra pit, making it possible to host operas and ballets. The world-renowned acoustic designer Eckhard Kahle, who also designed the Stavanger Concert Hall in Norway and the Philharmonie de Paris in France, will design the hall’s top-notch acoustics.
The building’s frame is made of steel and concrete, with prefabricated components being used to the greatest extent possible. The interior will feature abundant wooden surfaces to add a warm atmosphere.
Peikko will supply various connection parts for the frame, including DELTABEAM® Green Composite Beams and PETRA® Green Slab Hangers. The main hall, which is shaped like a shoebox, spans up to 40 meters, so only specific frame solutions are suitable.
The symphonic sound will be enhanced by the wooden surfaces in the hall and the skylights. The geometry of the wooden paneling has been modeled with the help of acoustic experts, and some balcony areas will feature sound holes. No compromises will be made in terms of acoustics, as the goal is to build one of the world’s best concert halls.
Tailored solutions and close collaboration
According to Hartela site manager Eerik Kylä-Kaila the curved wall structures, cast in place, differ from conventional construction. While many structures are precasted elements, there are also numerous cast-in-situ structures. According to Peikko sales manager Ville Saarinen, Peikko’s wide range of solutions has been prominently featured in the construction of the music hall.
“In the cast-in-situ structures, ARBOX® Joint Reinforcements and WELDA® Anchor Plates have played a significant role,” says Saarinen. He highlights the uniqueness of the project, which has required many custom-designed products.
Saarinen emphasizes the importance of close cooperation, both within Peikko and with the customer, to ensure the deliveries meet the desired outcomes. “I have to tip my hat to Hartela’s crew on the Fuuga site. They seem to always have things under control, and the collaboration has been very smooth. That’s essential in such a large-scale project.”
Kylä-Kaila also underscores the importance of smooth cooperation. “Our partnership with Peikko has been excellent. We’ve listened to each other and made adjustments when necessary. Peikko has also added value to the project by offering environmentally friendly products, such as DELTABEAM® Green Composite Beams. I also appreciate the fact that joint reinforcements have been delivered smoothly to the site.”
Project timeline (construction schedule):
- Fall 2023: Construction begins
- Spring 2024: Foundations completed
- Early 2025: The building frame completed
- Fall 2025: Façade and roof completed
- Spring 2026: Interior work completed
- Summer 2026: Operational
This article has been originally published in Connections 2025 customer magazine. You can find more Peikko's customer magazines here: Connections customer magazine