Katajanokan laituri – the wooden marvel of Helsinki’s coastline

 Katajanokan Laituri, a wooden building located in Helsinki’s Katajanokka peninsula, stands as a symbol of sustainable urban design. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, the building spheres a new era for Helsinki’s maritime cityscape. Architect Selina Anttinen shares the story behind the project and how it connects the city’s rich heritage with its progressive future.

a woman wearing glasses and a black coat

Katajanokan Laituri is a glimpse to the future of Helsinki’s waterfront. The Katajanokka area is going through a transformation, and the building spearheads the evolution from a closed industrial site to an open urban space accessible to all.

Architect Selina Anttinen from Anttinen Oiva Architects, a driving force behind the Katajanokan laituri project, reflects on its significance, challenges, and the city’s commitment to sustainability and design. “This is pioneering work. We’ve never seen wooden buildings on this scale in an urban setting in Finland,” Selina explains.

The structure’s design respects Helsinki’s historical aesthetic while introducing modern elements. Its uniform silhouette can be seen being inspired by Alvar Aalto continues the city’s neo-classical waterfront, while the layered materials reflect Katajanokka’s diverse architectural styles.

“We wanted the building to feel like a natural extension of Helsinki’s maritime cityscape,” Selina shares, “While also adding something fresh and forward-thinking.”

Despite the challenges posed by its maritime location, harsh weather conditions, proximity to large cruise ships, and the need to adapt to rising sea levels, the building has already become a beloved part of the cityscape. Over the next decade, the surrounding area will evolve into a new seaside boulevard.

“I’ve been so pleased with the feedback from locals,” Selina shares. “This building gives a promise of what’s to come: a vibrant, open coastline for Helsinki’s citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

a building next to water

Architecture

Helsinki

a building with a garden

A city that’s always evolving

Katajanokan laituri tells a story about the possibilities of wood construction in urban environments. Selina points out that the city of Helsinki played a crucial role by asking the right questions early on.

The double-layered facade protects the wood from harsh maritime weather but also creates a dynamic aesthetic that changes with the seasons. The celebration of natural materials is crafted using sustainably sourced Finnish and Swedish timber that also reflects Helsinki’s deep connection to nature. 

“Together with the owner Varma and the main user Stora Enso they ensured we considered factors like biodiversity, lifecycle impacts, and long-term sustainability from the very beginning.”

-Selina

Anttinen Oiva Architects

But beyond materials, the space itself has a lot to offer. The building features the largest green rooftop terrace in Helsinki with panoramic views of the coastline. It also houses Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, a hotel that aspires to be Finland’s most sustainable one. The ground floor features a restaurant, café, conference spaces, and other services that open directly to the surrounding city, fostering a vibrant public atmosphere.

“Flexibility was key to our design. We wanted a space that could adapt over time, serving multiple purposes and evolving with the city.”

An element of surprise

While its exterior harmonises with Helsinki’s exterior, Katajanokan Laituri offers a surprising experience inside.

“We wanted to continue the tradition of maritime Helsinki’s light-reflecting, horizontal architecture,” Selina says. “But once you step inside, there’s an element of surprise – you’re greeted by an expansive wooden interior,” Selina explains.


The use of wood as the primary building material was a defining feature, drawing on Finland’s long tradition of wooden architecture while pushing boundaries with its urban application.

“Even in Finland, where we have a deep connection to wood and nature, many haven’t seen a wooden building of this scale and design in an urban location. It’s always rewarding to see their reaction, especially in a city context.”

-Selina

Anttinen Oiva Architects


And as the city’s waterfront continues to transform, this wooden landmark invites citizens and visitors to experience Helsinki’s open coastline like never before.

Helsinki through an architects eyes

Who better to ask about Helsinki than an architect who’s involved in making the city an even better place to live in; what aspects does she find most captivating about the city?

“I love the greenery in Helsinki—it’s part of my everyday life. I reside in a 1950s-style neighborhood, surrounded by large trees and parks that merge into courtyards, extending into a network of parks, islands, and the coastline”, Selina says.

And when Selina names her three favorite places in Helsinki, she realizes they all involve water.

“Seurasaari Baths, where I winter swim throughout the year; Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, the first swimming hall in Helsinki/Finland, representing 1920s classicism; and the Olympic Outdoor Swimming Stadium. Additionally, the unique light of Helsinki, from sunrise to sunset, enhances the maritime beauty of the city alongside its green network.”
All elements that are fundamental to Selina’s happiness here in Helsinki.