Valteri School
FinlandA Beacon of Wellbeing for intensive- and special needs
Project Overview
The Valteri School, located in the historic barracks of Intiö, Oulu, Finland, has undergone a significant renovation to accommodate the Tervaväylä Merikartano unit. Originally constructed in 1954, the building at Veteraanikatu 5 has been carefully updated to meet the demands of modern education, all while preserving its historical charm.
Initially used by the Pohja Engineer Brigade, and later by the Oulu Air Defence Battery and the Northern Finland Communications Battalion, the building was converted into office space in the mid-2000s. By the time of this renovation, much of the structure and technical systems had reached the end of their service life, necessitating an extensive overhaul.
Challenges
The primary challenge of this project was to transform an aged military barracks into a modern educational facility for special needs students, without compromising its structural and historical integrity. Valteri, a national learning and guidance centre, supports local schools by providing services for students with general, intensive, and special needs. Therefore, the renovation needed to cater to the diverse requirements of the student body, with a strong focus on accessibility, functionality, and comfort.
Solutions
“A comprehensive renovation was undertaken to create new teaching and staff facilities within the existing structure,” explains Ilkka Mäkelä, Head of Sales Finland. “This included replacing all building service systems to meet modern standards. Special attention was given to accessibility, ensuring that mobility, lighting, acoustics, contrasting materials, and signage met the highest inclusivity standards.”
The renovation introduced new teaching spaces, staff rooms, and specialised facilities such as a gym, teaching kitchen, and music rooms. While the building’s internal structures were replaced, the load-bearing elements were preserved. Additionally, a combined distribution and preparation kitchen, as well as a school canteen, were installed to support the school’s needs.
Lighting Control
Helvar’s DALI-2 Imagine Solution was selected to provide customisable lighting control throughout the facility. This system enables adjustments in light intensity and colour temperature, tailored to enhance the learning environment and support the wellbeing of each student. Its ease of use, reliability, and energy efficiency contribute to a sustainable and adaptable educational environment.
“What makes this project truly special is the colour temperature-controlled lighting (Tunable White) in all classrooms,” says Toivo Riikola, Sales Manager for Northern Finland at Helvar. “As this is a school for children with special needs, each teacher can control individual classroom lighting through our ST7 touch panel. The intensity and colour temperature can be adjusted to influence the behavior and concentration of both individual students and the entire class. Special attention has also been paid to lighting and luminaire selection, including the prevention of glare, in order to minimise potential distractions to pupils.”
Compared to other school projects, the individualised classroom lighting control was a distinctive feature. Despite the tight project timeline, the collaboration between all parties was smooth, and the project was successfully completed in time for the start of the school year in August 2024.
Impact
The Valteri School renovation has set a new benchmark for educational facilities by combining historical preservation with modern functionality. Helvar’s lighting control system plays a key role in creating an adaptable environment that responds to the varied needs of the students, promoting wellbeing, learning, and concentration.
Valteri School now stands as a beacon of learning and inclusivity in Oulu, Finland, revitalising a historical building while redefining it as a modern, supportive environment for special needs education.
Key facts
Project completed: 2024
Size: 5500m2
Developer & Property Owner: Senaatti Kiinteistöt
Electrical Designer: Sweco Finland Oy Oulu
Architect: Kontukoski Architects Ltd.
Electrical Contractor: ARE Oy Oulu
The Helvar solution
– 15pcs Helvar Imagine 950 DALI-2 Multi Master Application Controllers
– 7pcs Helvar 494 Relay Units
– 3pcs Helvar 490 Blinds Controllers
– 1 Helvar 942 Input Unit
– 84pcs Helvar 13x Control Panels
– 5pcs Helvar EnOcean 434 Receivers
– 28pcs Helvar EnOcean 181W Wireless Switches
– 69pcs Helvar Illustris Colour Temperature 192PW Control Panels
– 15pcs Helvar ST7 Control Panels
– 105pcs Helvar PIR 321 Multisensors
– 106pcs Helvar PIR 320 Sensors
– Approx. 1400 Luminaires Connected to DALI Buses
Finland
