Tuesday, 4 November 2025
YIT has launched the first phase of its new Kalevala residential project on the border of Brno’s Vinohrady and Židenice districts. The development, created in partnership with RSJ Investment Group, will transform a former brownfield site into a modern urban neighbourhood with a focus on sustainability and community living.
The initial stage, named Ukko, will include 196 apartments and studios along with ground-floor commercial space. Construction is already underway, with completion planned for the second quarter of 2028. The full Kalevala complex will be developed in nine phases, delivering approximately 750 housing units by mid-2031.
The project aims to revitalise a five-hectare site into a mixed-use district integrating housing, services, and public areas. Energy-efficient design features will include photovoltaic panels, green roofs, and rainwater retention systems, complemented by landscaped areas and tree-lined paths.
“This is our first project in South Moravia, and we want to create a new residential district that connects the Vinohrady and Židenice areas in a natural way,” said Marek Lokaj, CEO of YIT Stavo. “Our focus is on sustainable housing that combines modern urban living with environmental awareness.”
Lukáš Musil, board member of RSJ Investment Group, added that Brno’s location and growing demand make it a key market for residential development. “We want to create a place where people will not only live but also spend time and build community.”
YIT has opened a new Brno office at Magnum Palace to manage the project and future regional acquisitions. The team will oversee construction and sales while expanding YIT’s presence beyond Prague in line with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
The Ukko building — named after the Finnish god of thunder — will feature apartments ranging from 27 to 105 square metres, most with balconies, terraces, or small gardens. Amenities will include parking, storage rooms, stroller and bike facilities, and a dedicated space for washing bicycles and pets. Selected units will offer air conditioning and underfloor heating.
Architecturally, Ukko will consist of two connected sections — a seven-storey base and a fifteen-storey tower — designed to follow the area’s natural slope. The tower will serve as a visual focal point and provide communal areas for residents.
Located between Viniční, Šedova, and Líšeňská streets, the site offers proximity to schools, healthcare, shops, and public transport links. The Brno-Židenice train station is within five minutes, and nearby green spaces such as Bílá hora and Stránská skála provide opportunities for recreation.
When completed, Kalevala will add a new chapter to Brno’s ongoing urban renewal efforts — creating a functional, energy-efficient neighbourhood designed for long-term residents and families.
