Helsinki’s skyline has welcomed a striking new addition with the completion of Katajanokan Laituri, a modern wooden building located near the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, the structure aims to support Helsinki’s carbon-neutral goals by 2030 through sustainable construction practices. The building houses the head office of forest industry giant Stora Enso and the newly opened Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, which aspires to become Finland’s most environmentally sustainable hotel.
The Katajanokan Laituri building is owned by Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company and stands as a testament to Finnish craftsmanship, featuring timber from Finland and Sweden. Combining modern design with traditional materials, the four-storey building prioritizes sustainability with visible wooden structures, solar panels, and a green roof. The hotel also boasts a birch forest in its atrium and flood protection measures to withstand water levels rising over three meters.
“We aim to create a lively urban space by transforming the Katajanokka shoreline, making it accessible to the people of Helsinki. A building made of wood, with a low carbon footprint, meets the city’s sustainability goals,” said Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki.
The building’s environmentally friendly features extend to Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, which will apply for LEED Platinum, Green Key, and Sustainable Travel Finland certificates. The hotel offers 164 rooms, 43 of which feature sea views, along with a seaside café, conference facilities, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Helsinki’s Market Square.
Additionally, the hotel’s restaurant, Harbore, is led by Michelin-starred chef Sauli Kemppainen, who focuses on simple dishes using Nordic ingredients, further enhancing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
