Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt is constructing a pharmaceutical plant for Biovian Oy, a company specializing in contract development and manufacturing of biological drugs. The approximately 6,300-square-meter building, named GeneCity, will be located at Teollisuuskatu 42 in Itäharju.
The project consists of a single-story production facility, lobby and office spaces spread across three floors, as well as social, storage, and utility rooms in the basement. The plot also accounts for Biovian's potential future need to expand, allowing for an additional roughly 2,400-square-meter extension to be built in connection to GeneCity.
Biovian is one of the most significant biotech players in the Turku region. Founded in 2003, the company has grown rapidly in recent years and employs nearly 200 people. Currently, Biovian operates in BioCity, PharmaCity, and ElectroCity, where it has approximately 5,100 square meters of production and office space.
– Through the GeneCity expansion project, Biovian aims to meet the growing demand for contract development and manufacturing of biological drugs. The additional capacity enables more projects to proceed simultaneously and strengthens our position as a 'full-service' contract manufacturer of biological drugs, says Biovian CEO Antti Nieminen.
The project is important not only for Biovian and Teknologiakiinteistöt but also for the entire city of Turku.
The project is important not only for Biovian and Teknologiakiinteistöt but also for the entire city of Turku.
– Biovian is one of Teknologiakiinteistöt's largest and most long-standing customers. We embarked on this project because Biovian's need for expansion is so great that we cannot accommodate it with our current properties. The new plant is a jackpot for the entire city of Turku, especially in the current economic climate, says CEO of Teknologiakiinteistöt Mikko Lehtinen.
The architectural design of the project is provided by Sigge Arkkitehdit. The starting point for the design was to create a new landmark in the Itäharju area, which is transforming into a Science Park, that is easily visible from the Helsinki highway. GeneCity's facades consist of glass and three-dimensional ceramic tiles, which create an interesting rhythm of light and shadow on the building, especially in evening lighting.
Rakennustoimisto Lundén is responsible for the construction of GeneCity. This is a technically demanding project, as a medical production facility with its integrated cleanrooms makes the construction challenging. The cleanroom for GeneCity has been designed by Elomatic Engineering, which is also responsible for the implementation of the space.
The building is being constructed in accordance with the LEED v4 Platinum level, meaning that the property's environmental impact and energy consumption are minimized throughout its entire life cycle. Construction will begin in August, and the project will be completed at the end of 2024.