Flying the flag for timber construction, a landmark new wooden building on the Helsinki waterfront will be home to both the HQ of a major forest industry brand and the most sustainable hotel in Finland.
Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, Katajanokan Laituri is an impressive new solid wood building on the Helsinki shoreline, located in the heart of the city right next to the Market Square.
The new building will house the head office of Finnish forest industry company Stora Enso, as well as a 164-bed design hotel, Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, which aims to be the most sustainable in the country.
With this prime city neighbourhood also set to welcome the upcoming Museum of Architecture and Design, the area is rapidly developing into an exciting new hub of art and design beside the sea.
For Helsinki, developing its building stock sustainably is key to the city achieving its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Increasing wood construction is one way to work towards those climate goals.
In addition, it is important for Helsinki to create a lively urban environment and to make the city’s 131km shoreline even more accessible to locals and visitors, says the city’s Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki:
“With this project, we will be able to open up the shoreline to the people of Helsinki. A building made of wood, that is durable and has as low a carbon footprint as possible meets the city’s goals.”
Flagship architecture in historical city centre
Made from Finnish and Swedish timber, the four-storey Katajanokan Laituri building is owned by Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company. It houses the head office of the forest industry company Stora Enso, which also supplied the solid wood load-bearing elements of the structure.
Wooden structures have been left visible in the interior as much as possible, with nature strongly present. In addition to solar panels, the building features a multi-species green roof, and small birch tree forest growing in the hotel atrium. The building functions as a carbon store, made to last for the next 100 years.
The design employs pioneering architectural methods using traditional and sustainable materials. Flood protection helps futureproof the building, which can withstand a water-level rise of over three metres.
Stora Enso’s former head office designed by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto is located right next door to the new building. The district is otherwise known for its early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture. A short walk away is Helsinki’s historic centre designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
Finland’s most environmentally sustainable hotel
The opening of Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 by one of the largest hospitality chains in Finland brings the total number of properties operated by Sokos Hotels in Helsinki up to seven.
The new Katajanokan Laituri destination aims to be the most sustainable hotel in Finland, in terms of everything from the building itself to the hotel’s functions and services.
The project team has set its sights on a LEED Platinum environmental certificate, with the whole building aiming for carbon neutrality and using energy solely from renewable sources.
The hotel will also apply for Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland certificates.
The hotel has 164 rooms, 43 of which afford unobstructed views to the sea. It also provides conference facilities, a seaside café and a rooftop terrace with views over the Market Square and South Harbour.
The hotel restaurant Harbore is led by Sauli Kemppainen, a Finnish chef with passion for simplicity and pure taste. He has previously been awarded a Michelin star.
Each dish consists of only two main ingredients, such as reindeer and onion, prepared in various ways. Supporting local suppliers, Finnish and Nordic produce accounts for up to 85% of all ingredients used.
Further Reading:
- More about Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4; and the Sokos Hotels group;
- More about Katajanokan Laituri designers Anttinen Oiva Architects;
- More about the building owners Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company;
- More about Finnish forest industry company and building tenant Stora Enso;
- Also on SustMeme, Solar-thermal innovation for iconic London hotel;
- Also on SustMeme, Planning for sustainable wood-first placemaking;
- Also on SustMeme, Sustainable luxury for first skyscraper in Greece;
- Also on SustMeme, Travel Sustainable badge for property stays worldwide;
- Also on SustMeme, Timber design welcomes pupils back to school dinners;
- Also on SustMeme, Recycling waste heat from data centres in Helsinki.
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