Espoo Leads the Way with Uponor’s Vortex Chamber

Welcome to Infra Stories, where we explore groundbreaking infrastructure projects shaping communities across the Nordics. In this episode, we focus on innovative stormwater management solutions, specifically the new approach being implemented in Espoo, Finland. This project showcases how modern urban planning can tackle the growing challenges of climate change and urban flooding.

Espoo’s Partnership with Ramboll: Addressing Stormwater Challenges

Espoo, Finland's second-largest city, has partnered with Ramboll Finland—a global engineering, architecture, and consultancy company—to pioneer a new solution for stormwater management. As the first city in Finland to use the Uponor Vortex Stormwater Separation Chamber, Espoo is setting a new benchmark for handling urban flooding and reducing maintenance costs. The chamber was installed at the Ylämaansola construction site in Kauklahti, Espoo. A location frequently affected by flooding due to rapid housing developments.

According to Laura Karhumäki, Project Manager at the City of Espoo, the need for improved stormwater solutions has grown as urban areas expand and natural spaces that absorb rainwater diminish. With two existing underground stormwater retention systems already in place, the Vortex Chamber adds a much-needed layer of protection.
 

How the Uponor Vortex Chamber Works: Sustainable Stormwater Management

The Uponor Vortex Chamber uses centrifugal force to separate solids from stormwater, ensuring that debris, sand, and leaves do not enter the water system. This reduces the frequency of tunnel cleaning, cutting down on maintenance costs. Unlike stormwater retention tunnels, which require regular, labor-intensive maintenance, the Vortex Chamber only needs an annual visit from a suction truck.

Anni Orkoneva, Unit Manager at Ramboll Finland, highlights that this solution simplifies maintenance by preventing solids from accumulating in underground systems. The chamber’s unique design pushes debris to the edges and bottom, while a flow control plate traps any floating material.
 

Espoo’s Commitment to Flood Prevention and Climate Resilience

With climate change bringing more frequent and intense rainfall, cities like Espoo are facing increasing flood risks. Urban planners emphasize the importance of stormwater management as cities become denser and less permeable. This project not only addresses the immediate challenges of flood prevention but also positions Espoo as a leader in sustainable infrastructure.

Installed in February 2024, the chamber—measuring over 1.5 meters in diameter with a trench depth exceeding 3 meters—was seamlessly integrated into the landscape. Markus Tiihonen, Site Manager at Peab Asfalt, confirmed that the installation process went smoothly, further improving the surrounding area with new roads, parking lots, and landscaping.
 

A Model for Future Urban Development

This innovative approach to stormwater management is a testament to Espoo’s forward-thinking infrastructure strategy. With growing interest in sustainable urban solutions, Uponor Infra and Ramboll Finland are confident that this model will be adopted by other cities looking to reduce maintenance costs and combat the effects of climate change.

Espoo’s successful implementation of the Uponor Vortex Chamber sets a new standard in stormwater solutions, showing that investing in innovative infrastructure can have long-term benefits for cities worldwide.