Katajanokka Pier. Photo: Mats Vuorenjuuri
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Katajanokka Pier (Katajanokan Laituri), a large wooden commercial building on Helsinki’s waterfront, has won the 2025 Finlandia Prize for Architecture. The award was announced by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), marking the twelfth year the prize has been given.
The building was designed by Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit and developed by the pension insurance company Varma. It houses the headquarters of Stora Enso and the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4.
The final winner was chosen by Archbishop Tapio Luoma, who was appointed to select from four shortlisted projects. He described the building as architecturally striking, open, and rooted in natural materials.
“The real surprise awaits you within,” Luoma said. “The timber structures above the foyer create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. At times, the abundance of wood leaves you feeling as if you’ve found yourself enveloped by a forest.”
The structure has transformed the former harbour area of Katajanokka into a public space. It was designed with sustainability and longevity in mind, using wood extensively in its structure, cladding and interiors. The developers focused on creating a building that could adapt over time, with low-carbon and energy-efficient features.
Selina Anttinen, senior architect at Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit, said the project began with strong environmental values and a commitment to sustainable building. “It is a joy and a privilege to share this prize with everyone who contributed to the outcome, from the client to the builders,” she said.
Sari Raunio, Property Development Director at Varma, said the award reflects the collaborative nature of the project. “From its inception, the project was exceptional due to its location, building material and architecture,” she said. “Our ambition was for the building to have a long useful life and to be easy to modify, versatile, low carbon and energy efficient.”
Katajanokka Pier has already received several national and international awards. It won a wood architecture award in Paris, was named Project of the Year by the Association of Project Professionals (PRY), and received the RIL Award in 2024, which recognises Finnish engineering.
The Finlandia Prize for Architecture was established in 2014 to promote public appreciation for architectural quality and to highlight the role of architecture in shaping cultural and social environments. The award is presented annually by SAFA.
Katajanokka Pier adds to Helsinki’s growing portfolio of timber buildings. Its location, design, and public accessibility were among the features that led to its recognition. The building’s interior uses solid wood not only structurally but as a visible element, aiming to create both acoustic comfort and a natural atmosphere.
The design team included Vesa Oiva and Teemu Halme, alongside Anttinen, who served as lead designers. According to the architects, the goal was to strike a balance between professional innovation and ecological responsibility.
Katajanokka Pier is situated on a prominent site by the sea, offering public access to a previously closed harbour area. The structure is built almost entirely from Finnish wood, marking a strong statement about domestic materials and design traditions.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
