A new train station was constructed in Ainola, Järvenpää, Southern Finland. The station will feature newly built platforms with wind barriers and an underpass that seamlessly connects them, ensuring full accessibility for all passengers.
Kreate was the main contractor for the Ainola station project, part of the larger Helsinki–Riihimäki railway development commissioned by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. This project is included in the second phase of the Helsinki–Riihimäki railway upgrade, spanning from 2020 to 2028, and involves the construction of additional tracks between Kerava–Järvenpää and Järvenpää–Jokela.
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency oversees the maintenance and development of Finland's road, rail, and waterway networks, ensuring their safety, functionality, and sustainability. As part of the Ainola station project, Kreate was responsible for constructing the new eastern track and platform, which was completed on schedule in December 2024.
To improve passenger comfort, new wind barriers were installed on the station platform. Constructed with Aikon® polycarbonate sheets, these shelters feature custom-printed graphics designed by the project’s architect, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
"The graphics turned out neat and well-executed," says Jani Riekkinen, Site Manager at Kreate.
Digitally printed graphics on polycarbonate sheets provide a dynamic way to enhance urban environments with colour and visual appeal. The printed designs are securely laminated between two Aikon® polycarbonate sheets, ensuring exceptional durability against changing weather conditions and vandalism.
Decorative graphics on transparent polycarbonate sheets for infrastructure projects can be applied through either screen printing or digital printing, offering versatile design possibilities.
"Digital printing proved to be a highly effective method for achieving precise patterns. The ability to make the graphics translucent was also beneficial, as it ensured visibility was not completely obstructed," explains Tanja Auresmaa, the project's architect at Afry.
"With digital printing instead of screen printing, colour adjustments can be made more easily if needed," adds Stina Puolakanaho, Customer Manager at Aikolon.
The project architect was satisfied with the chosen printing method. "This printing technique was new to me, but I will likely use it in future projects," says Tanja Auresmaa.
Aikon® polycarbonate is an exceptionally durable glazing material, thanks to its superior impact resistance. Compared to glass, polycarbonate is 200 times more impact-resistant, while the laminated solution used for wind barriers offers a staggering 400 times greater durability.
"Aikon® polycarbonate doesn’t develop unsightly spiderweb cracks upon impact, unlike tempered glass," explains Aikolon's Puolakanaho.
Due to its high impact resistance, Aikon® polycarbonate is also easy to install—something that Kreate experienced firsthand during the installation.
"The installation process went smoothly. Handling the sheets was significantly easier on-site compared to glass. Glass breaks much more easily, complicating the installation process," says Kreate's Riekkinen.
Polycarbonate is also easy to work with, even in on-site conditions.
"The material’s workability on-site was excellent. For example, being able to drill holes for the mounting brackets directly on-site, greatly simplified the installation process," Riekkinen adds.
During the supplier selection process, Aikolon proved to be the best choice, and Kreate’s Riekkinen has been pleased with the collaboration. The delivery schedule for the glazing materials was sufficient, and the station platform was completed on time.