Katajanokan Laituri by Nomaji Oy

Katajanokanlaituri is a new solid wood building set against the iconic maritime landscape of Helsinki. The site, once occupied by a functional harbour warehouse, has been reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use destination that includes a hotel, office spaces, and a restaurant. This transformation marks a significant step in opening up a previously closed-off harbour area in the heart of the city, gradually reconnecting the urban fabric with the waterfront. The building exemplifies contemporary architecture that is both environmentally conscious and contextually sensitive—employing innovative sustainable construction methods while harmonizing with the historic waterfront of Finland’s capital. Selected through an international architectural competition in 2020, the project was completed in August 2024, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban development in Helsinki.

Based on the winning competition entry, a detailed city plan was developed for the site in close collaboration between the project team and the City of Helsinki. One of the ambitious sustainability goals of the plan was to cover 50% of the roof area with vegetation. Although this target may not sound difficult to achieve, it ultimately became an important justification for the extent of the vegetation coverage, as the roof has multiple uses. Large areas were needed for HVAC systems, a catering area and solar panels, for example. To meet the goal, the solar panels were, for instance, integrated directly onto the green roof. This dual-use approach allowed the building to maximize both energy production and green coverage within the same footprint. The overarching objective was to achieve carbon neutrality and high energy efficiency, aligning with the stringent requirements of LEED Platinum certification.

With no outdoor space available at ground level, the building’s outdoor areas are thoughtfully located on the roof. These elevated landscapes draw inspiration from northern nature and Helsinki’s maritime surroundings, creating a unique and immersive experience above the city. The rooftop terraces and the small inner courtyard open in multiple directions, each reflecting a distinct natural habitat and offering views toward the sea and the historic center of Helsinki. In the narrow inner courtyard, a birch grove rises above a rich field layer, forming a sheltered, forest-like microclimate. On the second-floor terraces, natural stones and hardy rock vegetation evoke the rugged beauty of the Finnish archipelago. Crowning the building is a wavy coastal meadow that changes color with the seasons. This biodiverse green roof surrounds various activity zones, including a bar terrace, hammock lounge, and fitness area—blending leisure with landscape. The result is a small island of nature in the heart of the city, designed not only for people but also to support urban biodiversity.

The outdoor spaces are primarily used by office workers and hotel guests, while the rooftop bar also welcomes occasional visitors—making the building a lively, inclusive urban oasis and an ideal spot to enjoy panoramic sea views.

• Other architecture offices involved in the design: Anttinen Oiva Architects Ltd

• Other credits:
Manufacturer of urban equipment: Abau Design, Elverdal

Image credits:
Pictures 01-08 : Kalle Kouhia
Pictures 09-20 : Caroline Moinel
Pictures 21-24 : Kalle Kouhia / Anttinen Oiva Architects
Pictures 25-26 : Nomaji
Siteplan : Anttinen Oiva Architects