Turku lift tower to move farther from shoreline

The black lift tower and sauna building in Hirvensalo, Turku, will be moved farther from the shoreline, Yle reports. The owner is also seeking permission to raise the tower.

Construction of the more than 10-metre-high tower has been halted since last autumn after Turku’s building control authority found that its location, height, colour and roof shape differed from the approved permits.

The seaside structure has drawn criticism for not fitting into the landscape. The building and permits board also filed a police report over the unauthorised construction.

The board is now being asked to approve amendments to the building permit so that the project can be completed.

Under the proposed changes, the tower and sauna building would be moved about three metres farther from the shoreline. The building control authority supports the amendments, saying the structure would blend into its surroundings better after being moved.

The original permit sets the tower’s height at just over 14 metres. The owner is seeking an increase of about 1.5 metres, but the tower would still be lower than it is now, according to cityscape architect Nea Tuominen.

The tower’s pyramid-shaped roof would be removed, and its dark glass would be replaced with clear glass. Moving the tower and sauna building would require the rock on the private plot to be excavated.

Neighbours bordering the plot were consulted and did not oppose the plans. Construction could resume if the building and permits board approves the amendments at its meeting on Thursday.