Finnish shelter concept drives faster civil defense shelter production globally
Elematic, a Finnish leader in precast concrete technology, together with Rakennusbetoni- ja Elementti Oy is bringing its certified prefabricated civil defense shelter concept, EVAshelters, to customers worldwide. Developed in Finland – home to one of the world’s most comprehensive civil shelter systems – EVAshelters offer a fast, convenient way for communities to strengthen their civil protection infrastructure.
As countries across Europe review shelter legislation, standards, and building capacity, Finland stands out as a reference point, having spent six decades developing one of the world’s most comprehensive underground shelter networks. Supported by favorable bedrock conditions and proven construction methods, Finland’s 50,500 approved civil defense shelters show that long-term, structured preparedness can be achieved through consistent planning and the right construction technologies.
“Precast construction provides a practical and reliable path to modernizing civil protection infrastructure,” says Sami Konsti, Director of Sales and Business Development at Rakennusbetoni- ja Elementti Oy. “By combining standardized precast technology, rapid assembly, and sustainable materials, EVAshelters offer communities the means to build civil defense shelters in almost any environment, and without being affected by difficult weather or harsh site conditions.”
EVAshelters are available through a licensing model that allows local manufacturers to start production quickly using ready-made CE-approved designs, verified plans, and environmentally optimized components. The system requires minimal upfront investment and supports fast, adaptable production to meet local shelter needs.
“With precast technology, civil defense shelters can be built quickly and at scale,” adds Teppo Voutilainen, CEO of Elematic. “EVAshelters makes civil protection accessible, adaptable, and sustainable, helping governments to improve civil resilience.”
Meeting global demand for civilian protection
Unlike traditional shelters, EVAshelters are fully prefabricated and delivered as a complete turnkey solution, including structural elements, ventilation, equipment, design support, and testing. Installation typically takes just 2-4 working days, greatly reducing construction time and risk. The shelters are engineered to withstand extreme pressures of up to 300 kPa, providing reliable protection in a wide range of emergency scenarios.
Through the collaboration, Elematic will make EVAshelters available globally, drawing on its 65 years of experience and presence in over 100 countries. “As civil defense gains renewed importance globally, we feel a responsibility to bring this solution to our customers”, Voutilainen continues.
To date, more than 6,000 EVAshelter units have been installed in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, with over 30% constructed using low-carbon concrete. Elematic provides the production technology, design services, and ongoing support needed to maintain consistent quality, safety, and cost efficiency.
As demand for stronger civil protection grows worldwide, Elematic and Rakennusbetoni- ja Elementti Oy invite governments, developers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in building resilient infrastructure that safeguards people, supports societal continuity, and provides peace of mind for future generations.
DOWNLOAD IMAGES FOR FURTHER USEAbout Elematic
Elematic Oyj is a global leader in precast concrete technology with over 65 years of experience, and 4,000 plants delivered to more than 100 countries. The company provides machinery, automation systems, software, and services covering the entire precast value chain. www.elematic.com
About Rakennusbetoni- ja Elementti Oy
Rakennusbetoni ja Elementti Oy is a Finnish pioneer in civil defense shelter design and manufacturing, with over 45 years of experience and more than 6,000 shelter units delivered. Its EVAshelter brand provides turnkey, prefabricated protection solutions for both domestic and international markets. www.rakennusbetoni.fi
For more information, please contact:
Laura Hinkkanen
Global Head of Marketing & Communications
Elematic
Tel. +358 50 397 3810
laura.hinkkanen@elematic.com
Finland as a global referece in civil defense
- 6,000+ EVAshelter units installed in Finland and across Europe (mostly Finland but ongoing projects from e.g. in Ukraine).
- Finland has 50,500 approved civil defense shelters, representing one of the world’s strongest civil protection systems.
- Elematic brings 65 years of experience and global presence in 100+ countries to support international adoption.
- Nordics leads the way with civil shelters, otherwise low adoption rates e.g. in Poland and Baltic countries.
About the civil defense shelter solution:
- Rapid installation: Fully prefabricated turnkey shelters delivered with all required components (structures, ventilation, equipment, design support, testing); installation completed in 2–4 working days.
- High performance & safety: Engineered to withstand up to 300 kPa pressure and designed for reliable performance underground or above ground, even in harsh climates and challenging site conditions.
- Sustainable construction: Over 30% of shelters produced using low‑carbon concrete, reducing environmental impact through optimized materials and efficient production.
- Scalable global production through Elematic: Licensing model enables fast local production start‑up using CE‑approved designs and verified plans, low initial investment, and mass‑customization, ensuring consistent quality and compliance across markets.