On a windswept November evening at the edge of Helsinki’s Katajanokka harbour, a striking new white building stands out against the winter night sky. Its curving, illuminated walls resemble a giant concertina of corrugated card. This modern structure, known as the Katajanokan Laituri, houses both the headquarters of Finnish forestry company Stora Enso and the newly opened Solo Sokos Pier 4 hotel.
The building, constructed with sustainable materials like carbon-storing Finnish and Swedish timber, is part of a broader trend of eco-friendly, large-scale wooden constructions. Helsinki, known for its clean air and commitment to sustainability, has earned the title of the world’s most sustainable travel destination. Nearly 90% of the city’s hotels are green-certified, and the Katajanokan Laituri is a prime example of this ethos, with renewable electricity powering the hotel and 85% of its restaurant ingredients sourced locally. Recycled materials, such as beer bottle glasses and repurposed building remnants, contribute to the hotel’s eco-conscious design.
The hotel’s minimalist design, often referred to as “Finimalist,” is a blend of serene Scandinavian aesthetics and functionality. The lobby, with its circular skylight and ambient sounds of birdsong, evokes the calm of a Finnish forest. This tranquil space is designed to help guests feel a sense of connection to nature, even in the heart of the city.
Helsinki’s Katajanokka area, technically an island, is undergoing a transformation aimed at improving public access to the waterfront. A new promenade and cycle path are being developed to encircle the peninsula, making the sea feel closer and enhancing the city’s connection to nature. The goal is to create spaces that are not only attractive to tourists but also beneficial for locals, fostering a sense of community and environmental consciousness.
In addition to the waterfront improvements, Helsinki is planning a new architecture and design museum, which will bring together two existing museums into a single location. Though the museum won’t open until 2030, the area already offers plenty to explore, from the historic 19th-century buildings in the national romantic style to the striking Uspenski Cathedral, with its green and gold domes rising above the city.
The Finnish approach to development emphasizes sustainability and the repurposing of existing structures. Instead of demolishing old buildings, the city focuses on renovation and recycling, reflecting a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and problem-solving. This philosophy is evident in the area’s architecture, such as the “Sugar Cube,” a 1962 design by renowned architect Alvar Aalto, which remains a key landmark.
A visit to the nearby Green Michelin-starred restaurant Nokka further exemplifies Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability. Located in a redbrick former warehouse, Nokka specializes in organic, wild, and sustainable Finnish ingredients, minimizing waste in the process.
For those seeking a quintessentially Finnish experience, a visit to the Allas Sea Pool and Sauna, located next to the Katajanokan Laituri, offers the perfect conclusion. After a swim in the heated pool overlooking the sea, locals and visitors alike unwind in the sauna, embracing the Finnish tradition of relaxation and renewal.
Helsinki’s blend of modern design, sustainability, and connection to nature creates a harmonious environment where both residents and visitors can experience the city’s commitment to regeneration and eco-conscious living.
