Katajanokan Laituri: Sustainable Wood Office and Hotel by Anttinen Oiva Architects

Katajanokan Laituri is a landmark wood office and hotel building designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, setting a new benchmark for sustainable architecture in Helsinki. This pioneering structure, located on the Katajanokka waterfront, represents a seamless integration of mass timber construction into an urban environment, promoting eco-friendly design and innovative building solutions.

A Modern Icon in Helsinki’s Evolving Waterfront

As the first new development in the formerly industrial Katajanokka district, Katajanokan Laituri plays a pivotal role in transforming the area into a vibrant, publicly accessible space. The building’s architecture maintains Helsinki’s historic neo-classical waterfront aesthetic, while its dynamic wood and glass façade provides a contemporary contrast. The outer layer, composed of glass, aluminum, and granite, protects the exposed CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) structures from the harsh maritime climate, ensuring longevity and resilience.

Sustainable Timber Construction with Stora Enso

Spanning 23,000 m², the structure utilizes mass timber supplied by Stora Enso, a leader in sustainable forestry. Key construction elements include:

• Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs
• Sylva™ CLT Stairs
• Sylva™ CLT Walls
• Sylva™ GLT and LVL Beams and Columns
• Custom Window and Door Components

The structural frame consists of 7,600 m³ of spruce wood and 2,500 prefabricated wood elements, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete and steel constructions.

Functional and Flexible Interior Spaces

The four-story building is divided into office spaces, a hotel, and publicly accessible amenities. Designed as the headquarters for Stora Enso, the office spaces prioritize flexibility and adaptability, ensuring a long lifecycle with minimal environmental impact. The ground floor features an open foyer, restaurant, café, and conference facilities, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding cityscape.

A green rooftop terrace, inspired by Nordic landscapes, offers a biodiverse space with archipelago meadows and a birch grove, reinforcing the building’s connection to nature. Internally, exposed spruce and ash elements highlight the warmth and versatility of timber, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere.

Climate-Resilient Design and Flood Protection

Due to its coastal location, Katajanokan Laituri incorporates advanced flood protection measures, reinforcing the surrounding embankment. As the first phase of the Katajanokka waterfront redevelopment, the project sets a precedent for future urban renewal, paving the way for a continuous public space from Market Square to Katajanokka’s tip.

Redefining Sustainable Urban Development

Katajanokan Laituri exemplifies modern timber construction at scale, demonstrating that wood can be a viable material for large-scale commercial and hospitality projects. By embracing circular construction principles and prefabricated timber solutions, the project serves as a model for future carbon-neutral architecture.

All Photographs are works of Kalle Kouhia, Tuomas Uusheimo