Katajanokan Laituri wins Finlandia Prize for Architecture

The Finlandia Prize for Architecture awarded by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) is Finland’s most prestigious architectural prize. 

“Varma’s ambition for Katajanokan Laituri was for the building to have a long useful life and to be easy to modify, versatile, low carbon and energy efficient. From its inception, the project was exceptional due to its location, building material and architecture. The collaboration between the project’s parties was excellent from start to finish. It is thrilling to receive such a prestigious prize,” says Sari Raunio, Varma’s Property Development Director. 

The winner was selected by Archbishop Tapio Luoma from among four finalists chosen by a pre-selection jury. What impressed Luoma most about the building that has altered Helsinki’s silhouette were its architectural style, brightness and the use of wood. 

“And yet, the real surprise, as it turns out, awaits you within. The soaring timber structures above the open-plan foyer create a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere that invites the visitor to take a moment and sit a while on the large circular bench provided with their comfort in mind,” Luoma writes in his comments.

“At times, the abundance of wood leaves you feeling as if you’ve found yourself enveloped by a forest. The building may have been intended as an office and hotel, but from time to time it succeeds in transporting you to another dimension altogether,” Luoma describes. 

Katajanokan Laituri has made the former Katajanokka harbour area’s waterfront accessible to the public. In charge of designing Katajanokan Laituri were Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit’s Senior Architect Selina Anttinen, Vesa Oiva and Lead Designer Teemu Halme. 

“From the beginning, this project was characterised not only by a high degree of ambition and professional curiosity but also by its commitment to sustainability. It is a joy and a privilege to share this prize with everyone who contributed to the end result, from the client to the designers and the builders,” Selina Anttinen says.

From day one, the building’s design focused on environmental values. Wood is omnipresent in the building’s structures, cladding and interior decoration. The use of solid wood is evident in the interior’s details. As a material, wood creates a warm and relaxed ambience and provides excellent acoustics. 

The purpose of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture is to promote the appreciation of high-quality, creative architecture and to highlight the importance of architecture in generating cultural value and increasing well-being. The prize has been awarded since 2014. 

Katajanokan Laituri has received multiple awards and accolades. Katajanokan Laituri won an award for wood architecture in Paris, granted by the international press. The building also received the 2024 Wood Award, the Association of Project Professionals’ (PRY) Project of the Year award and the RIL Award 2024, which spotlights Finnish engineering skills and expertise.

The building houses Stora Enso’s head office and the Solo Sokos Pier 4 hotel.