Jätemäki Fitness Stairs: 430 Screw Piles on a Steep Helsinki Hillside

The City of Helsinki renovated the iconic Jätemäki fitness stairs, one of the city’s most popular spots for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The old stairs had worn down over time, making a thorough renovation necessary. Given the heavy daily use, it was crucial for the city to minimise downtime and find a durable foundation solution that performs reliably even in challenging terrain.

Paalupiste’s helical piles proved to be the ideal choice. They provided a solid foundation without extensive excavation, soil replacement, frost protection, or concrete pouring. A total of 430 PRO helical piles were installed in the extremely steep slope, creating a strong base for the new stairs.

Installation progressed exceptionally quickly: all piles were distributed, positioned, and installed in just five working days using a single excavator. The demanding slope required precise work. Safe movement of the machine and accurate pile placement were essential. The crew’s good physical condition also came in handy when piles had to be manually distributed to the steepest sections in the summer heat.

After piling, U-brackets were attached to the pile heads. This allowed a seamless transition to the next phase: the carpentry team could start building the stairs as soon as a sufficient number of piles were in place. The handover from foundations to actual construction went smoothly, and the stairs were soon back in use.

The project highlighted the strengths of helical piles in difficult conditions. Fast installation and minimal environmental impact made the solution both cost-effective and ecological for renewing a popular recreational site, despite the highly challenging terrain.